The Purple Cities Alliance, an organization that works to create happy, safe and compassionate environments for those with dementia, will hold its fourth annual Rock Against Dementia benefit concert and silent auction on Saturday, March 30. The free concert by Tenn Pan Alley, plus entertainment by the Sandsation Dancers, will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Schulz Brau Brewing Company, 126 Bernard Ave., in Knoxville.

Tenn Pan Alley is an East Tennessee band known for playing a wide variety of music, including rock, pop, blues, folk and country. Concertgoers and area residents are encouraged to wear purple to show their support. Knoxville was one of the first cities in the country to be designated a Purple City in recognition of its dementia-friendly initiatives. Whitney Kent of WVLT Channel 8 will serve as emcee.

“Alzheimer’s disease affects every family and is one of the most common types of dementia,” said Kathy Broggy, a Purple Cities Alliance advisory board member. “This free concert will be an uplifting event that raises awareness about a very serious health matter in our communities.”

In addition, the Purple Cities Alliance will celebrate its fifth anniversary Saturday, May 11, with an event at Fountain City Park, 117 Hotel Road in North Knoxville, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature purple cotton candy, presentation of the proceeds from Rock Against Dementia to a local organization, and the naming of the organization’s first Purple Cities Person of the Year.

About the Purple Cities Alliance
The Purple Cities Alliance is a team of local volunteers, practitioners and community leaders who provide dementia education and training resources to raise awareness about dementia and support individuals facing dementia and their caregivers.

For more information about the Purple Cities Alliance, visit www.purplecities.org.