A Spring awakening

It’s been a rite of spring for the past four years: Martha Nance, MD, medical director,  Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital Struthers Parkinson’s Center (and accomplished pianist), joins Kristin Kemper, her patient and Minnesota Orchestra violinist, on stage for a one-of-a-kind concert.

Awakenings is a boutique musical event and fundraiser for Struthers Parkinson’s Center, plus builds awareness of the center’s work. This year, humorist Garrison Keillor was compelled to join the cause, along with his “A Prairie Home Companion” accompanist Rich Dworsky. Both joined Nance, Kemper and pianist Charles Kemper for the March 29 Awakenings performance at Ted Mann Concert Hall.

Attracting attention and top talent

This is the fourth year of Awakenings. Overall it has raised nearly $75,000 in donations to help fund such programs as the center’s research initiatives, medication trials, music therapy, tai chi classes and Club CREATE day- and respite-care programs. 

The chance to play beautiful music for the Parkinson’s cause has historically attracted some of the finest musicians in the Twin Cities, including Osmo Vänskä, Philip Brunelle Jorja Fleezanis, Chuck Lazarus and a list of others.

For information on Awakenings 2010, check this site in December 2009.