Music, Community, and AST Support – coming together to help Rick shine

Rick Levine has had a lifelong passion for music and has made it a huge part of his life. Founder of ICEBOX Music, long-time music industry expert, podcaster, educator, entrepreneur, singer-songwriter, publisher, guitarist, and recording artist, Rick’s career in music began on the Jersey Shore in the mid-eighties as a Promotions Director and on-air personality before he moved to Toronto in the early 1990s.

As one of the founders of the acoustic guitar duo Fridge Magnets, Rick performed hundreds of times over the past decade. However, since his Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in 2018, his ability to perform has been greatly impacted, making it difficult to get on stage.

Rick found his way to the Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) and has been taking part in many of our support services and Active Living programs. He contributed his thoughts to the Music and Dementia segment on our DementiaNation podcast (Dementia Nation Podcast – Alzheimers Society of Toronto)  and composed an original song for our Love and the Trick of Time theatre production.

Knowing they had a talented musician in their midst, and inspired by Rick’s journey, Kristin and Tracey of the Active Living program worked with Rick to create an evening of music that would not only showcase his talents, but also the support AST provides and what is possible for people living with dementia.

Every day in our programs, we witness clients taking a chance and trying something new. We see them rediscover long-lost creative passions, and we often hear from care partners that they are amazed to see the things their loved ones can accomplish.

Rick and musical director and AST program facilitator Johnny Spence began rehearsals and worked to reimagine Rick’s songs for a January evening performance.  A handpicked backing band full of talented individuals was ready to support Rick at every turn.

Rick took the stage at Safari Bar and Grill with an audience of almost 100 people including his friends and family members, inspired clients, staff, and other supporters. Rick showed us all that with the right support anything is possible, and a dementia diagnosis doesn’t take away the things that make someone extraordinary.