By Joanie Cox-Henry
Photo by Susie Fineberg
When South Florida-based musical icon Dan O'Brien received a Parkinson's Disease diagnosis 11 years ago, the perseverant performer refused to let it get him down. The introspective guitar player intensely began researching the illness and he has become a warrior for others battling the same issue.
On April 30 at Crazy Uncle Mike's in Boca Raton, it was wall-to-wall support for O'Brien's D.O.B. Rockin' to Knock Out Parkinson's Event. The event raised awareness and funds for The D.O.B. Charity For Parkinson's. Heather Nelson emceed the event which featured four local bands: Mr. Nice Guy [MNG Band], The Bobby Nathan Band, The Shakey T All Stars with Dan O'Brien, and WolfePak.
The Bobby Nathan Band opened the show with the talented Betty Padgett performing a rousing rendition of Tina Turner's "Simply The Best."
Padgett went on to perform another showstopping version of "Proud Mary" also in the style of Turner.
Dan O'Brien later graced the stage with The Shakey T All Stars which included another stellar lineup of local superstars such as Scott Sherman and John "Johnny O" Onderlinde of Big Rock Band, Jeffrey James Harris, and many others.
In addition to the musicians who lent their time to the event, dozens of volunteers who frequent many of the shows on the local music circuit attended the event including Wayne Belfer who is executive director of DOB Charity For Parkinson's Disease, Kim Sylvis-Tuza and Luz Cardona. Photographer extraordinaire Susie Fineberg was also in the crowd capturing key moments of the performances and the overall vibe of the room.
More than 40 items were auctioned off that day to support the charity.
O'Brien joined The Shakey T All Stars on stage for lively covers of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds," "Lean On Me," "Country Roads," "Rocket Man" and "Stand By Me."
Here is a more extensive lineup of the many performers who graced the stage that day:
The Bobby Nathan Band: Bobby Nathan, JoAnne Gregorio Nathan, Betty Padgett, Bob Cleary, Mark Hennessy, Doug Treen, Linda Curtis Anton.
The Shakey T All Stars: Terry Glynn, Johnny O, Dan O’Brien, Jeffrey James Harris, Bob Cleary, Scott Costa, Scott Sherman, Mike Marsh, Larry Kessler, Linda Curtis Anton.
Mr. Nice Guy: Tommy Hall, Richie Vega, John Quinn Steve Murphy, Bill Murphy, Linda Curtis Anton. and Special Guest Jimi Robinette
WolfePak: David Wolfe, Charlie Byrd, Liz Sharp, Scotty Sherman, Larry Kessler, John Angelone, and Linda Curtis Anton.
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