Organized by the Live Music in Taichung crew, the Stayin’ Alive cancer-awareness fundraiser features local artists, cool DJs and live sets from some of Greater Taichung’s hottest bands.
There are very few words more frightening than, “You have cancer.” Almost everyone knows at least one person who has had a scare or lost a loved one. Drummer David Ramey, who plays with the Taichung-based Reider Band, has decided to do something proactive to help those in need.
Ramey, who is a driving force behind Live Music in Taichung, organized this weekend’s disco-themed Stayin’ Alive event to help raise money for the Taiwan Breast Cancer Foundation and the Formosa Cancer Foundation.
Photo Courtesy of Dooley Candler
“This year I have had two people in my life pass away from cancer,” says Ramey. “I have also had others close to me who have been recently diagnosed in differing stages of cancer. I am well aware of the devastation that cancer brings, and I want to take action to immediately help those around me fight it.”
In addition to a beer pong competition and prizes from many Taichung artists and restaurants, the Stayin’ Alive fundraiser will also feature disco and funk-inspired DJ playlists, as well as live sets from some of Taichung’s top musicians. One of the biggest draws for funk and disco lovers in Taiwan is the return of Dooley Candler, former front man of the late, great and still wildly popular Money Shot Horns. Backed by the Chungle Funk rhythm and a horn section, Candler is sure to tear up the stage with his smooth moves and platform shoes. Popular Taichung band The Ever So Friendlies will also be on hand to add more mayhem to the music mix.
“This gig means so much to me,” says Shaun Armstrong of the Friendlies. “A chance to help in any way in the battle is something very close to my heart. My amazing Auntie Jean is currently fighting cancer, and.it’s such a special thing to be able to go out and have a blast in knowledge that all the money made is going to such a worthy cause.”
Photo Courtesy of Dooley Candler
For event organizer Ramey, fundraising is a fact of life. “I believe that everyone who is in the business of event planning or promotion should use their position to give back to the community as often as they possibly can,” he says. That’s what I am trying to do, and what I hope others are inspired to do as well. We can have a positive impact on whatever it is we choose to support.”
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