The Fort Collins Symphony will host a brief presentation on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 6:15 p.m. by Dr. Jeni Cross about the newest research results of the B Sharp, a program for people living with dementia and their caregiver. Dr. Cross’ talk will take place at the Lincoln Center prior to the Symphony’s A Cultural Assortment concert with guest artist Ray Ushikubo. At 6:30 p.m., Maestro Wes Kenney will discuss the pieces that will be performed and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The B Sharp program, launched in 2015, provides 30 people with dementia and a caregiver with season tickets. Participants attend receptions with other caregivers, and engage with other community members in a social setting. The program is designed to provide caregivers and their loved ones an opportunity to receive social support and benefit from live musical performances.

Under the leadership of Colorado State University sociology professor Dr. Jeni Cross, the on-going study is measuring the impact of the program on various quality-of-life and social sustainability measures. The study explores a number of factors, including the impact of music on the cognitive ability of participants with dementia, the social connections between the caregiver and person with dementia, and the degree to which study participants feel supported by the community. The B Sharp is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, Fort Collins Symphony, Dementia-Friendly Communities of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University, Banner Health, Alzheimer’s Association, Fort Collins Museum of Art, Kenneth and Myra Monfort Charitable Foundation, Dr. Peter Springberg, and the Larimer County Office on Aging.

Tickets for the concert may be purchased by calling the Lincoln Center at 970.221.6730 or CLICK HERE . For more information, please call 970.482.4823.