Over the past few months, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with WesleyLife and Lifespace Communities, in partnership with LeadingAge Iowa, to produce the Iowa Premiere of “Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me”.
WesleyLife and Lifespace Communities support the independence, health and well-being of older adults wherever they call home. These organizations want to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s Disease and this movie couldn’t have done it better. This documentary chronicles country-music legend Glen Campbell’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease as he embarks on his farewell tour in the U.S., Australia, and Europe.
The movie premiere event included a VIP reception at Des Moines Golf & Country Club and the film screening at Lutheran Church of Hope. After the movie, James Keach, the director of the film, facilitated a panel discussion with Kim Campbell (wife), Shannon Campbell (son) and Ashley Campbell (daughter). A highlight of the evening was the four-song concert performed by Ashley and Shannon which included both original works and familiar crowd favorites. It’s certainly comforting to know that Glen Campbell’s music will continue.
My role: event planner, volunteer coordinator, day-of event manager, on-site media point of contact, talent handler and schlepper
Should you wish to see this film, it will be screened at the Fleur Cinema in March.
About the Film
In 2011, music legend Glen Campbell set out on an unprecedented tour across America. They thought it would last 5 weeks instead it went for 151 spectacular sold out shows over a triumphant year and a half across America.
What made this tour extraordinary was that Glen had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He was told to hang up his guitar and prepare for the inevitable. Instead, Glen and his wife went public with his diagnosis and announced that he and his family would set out on a “Goodbye Tour.”
The film documents this amazing journey as he and his family attempt to navigate the wildly unpredictable nature of Glen’s progressing disease using love, laughter and music as their medicine of choice.
Special appearances include Bruce Springsteen, The Edge, Paul McCartney, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Steve Martin, Chad Smith and Bill Clinton among many others.
