Doobie Brothers to play concert benefitting MIND Center

One of America's most beloved bands is “Takin' it to the Streets” of Jackson to support Alzheimer's disease research.

The Doobie Brothers will perform a benefit concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at Thalia Mara Hall in downtown Jackson.

The concert benefits the MIND (Memory Impairment and Neurodegenerative Dementia Research) Center, a national leader in Alzheimer's research and patient care at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 14, at www.ardenland.net. Ticket prices range from $49.50 to $119.50.

“The Doobie Brothers' outstanding legacy has gifted the world with so much wonderful music. This performance will help us shine a light on Alzheimer's and the funds raised will help us accelerate the pace of discovery towards effective treatments,” said Dr. Tom Mosley, Dudley & Robbie Hughes Distinguished Chair and director of the MIND Center.

Proceeds from the concert, presented by Trustmark Bank, will support the MIND Center's research, diagnostic and outpatient care programs. Mosley and his team lead one of the largest and most comprehensive studies ever conducted to identify risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related forms of cognitive decline.

“The huge toll to patients and families, and not to mention the economic impact of dementing illnesses like Alzheimer's disease cannot be overstated,” Mosley said.

Since 2010 the MIND Center has brought together some of the nation's leading medical institutions to study factors from mid-life that may predict brain and cognitive changes later in life. The MIND Center Clinic offers diagnosis and leading-edge outpatient treatment for patients experiencing memory loss and cognitive impairment.

In 2016, the establishment of the Clinical Trials program and a gift from the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation further advanced the MIND Center's potential to make discoveries that could “slow, stop or prevent these devastating illnesses,” Mosley said.

“Alzheimer's is the only of the top 10 causes of mortality in the United States without a way to prevent, cure, or even slow its progression,” said Denise Lafferty, MIND Center chief of operations. “While the MIND Center is making great strides to discover the causes of Alzheimer's and other dementias and find new treatments, community support of this special event is critical to accelerating our research and bringing memory care services to individuals battling these diseases across our state.”

Born out of the “chaotic” music scene of late-1960's California, The Doobie Brothers' current lineup includes original members and singer-guitarists Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons, as well multi-instrumentalist John McFee.

The winners of four GRAMMY® Awards, The Doobie Brothers have sold more than 48 million records. They have recorded 16 Top 40 hits in their history, including “Black Water,” “What a Fool Believes,” “Jesus Is Just All Right,” “China Grove,” and “Takin' It to the Streets.”

“We're basically an American band - we cover a lot of areas,” Johnston says on the band's website. “We cover blues, R&B, country, bluegrass, and rock 'n' roll. It's based on rhythms, rhythm structures, picking, and harmonies. That's been the signature of the band.”

Last year's MIND Center concert, performed by Brian Wilson, grossed more than $425,000 for neurodegenerative dementia research.

“This concert is the sixth in a series of unique and successful events which have raised awareness and funds for the MIND Center,” said Patricia McClure, chair of the MIND Center Events Committee. “As a Mississippian and a family member of someone who battled this terrible disease, I am proud to know that Mississippi is a national leader in Alzheimer's research and clinical care.”

If you would like to support the MIND Center or become a sponsor for the concert, an Ardenland production, call (601) 815-4237 or email  mindcenter@umc.edu for more information.