Arts
In this episode, Clifford Brooks and Michael Amidei interview musician & founder of Alzheimer's Music Fest Vincent Zangaro. Vincent Zangaro (https://alzheimersmusicfest.org) Vincent's Alzheimer’s journey began over a decade ago at the age of 29 after his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. At 68 years old, the elder Zangaro’s health rapidly declined, leaving him unable to care for himself – and that’s where his son, Vincent stepped up. Driven by the challenges he faced navigating the ups and downs of his father’s disorder and health, a fire was lit in Zangaro to offer help to those living and affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illness. Combining his expertise within the music industry, a decade-long career as a regional staffing director at mega-brand Hot Topic and years of Alzheimer’s caregiving experience for his father, Zangaro flexed his creativity, leadership, love, and passion for music by founding the Alzheimer’s Music Fest in 2013, with the goal to raise awareness and funds to help families care for loved ones. Through festival fundraising efforts, Zangaro met Dementia Spotlight Foundation CEO and Co-Founder Whitney DeMarlo Oeltmann and came on board with the organization in 2017. Zangaro supports DSF by overseeing outreach initiatives and actions, serving as the Director of Development and Special Events. He works tirelessly to orchestrate several weekly online support groups, prioritizing the importance of providing free respite care support, and he is an integral facilitator of locating and providing critical medical equipment for families in need. As a full-time advocate for Alzheimer’s and dementia families, Zangaro plans events and secures much-needed grants and sponsorships. He also oversees the Atlanta and Tampa Alzheimer’s Music Fests. The Alzheimer’s Music Fest has since become an annual rock ‘n’ roll event, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars and helping hundreds of families care for loved ones. In 2020, Zangaro expanded the Alzheimer’s Music Fest with a Live Nation Tabernacle partnership and by leveraging relationships with many well-known performers who have also been impacted by dementia-related issues. Zangaro currently resides in Canton, Georgia with his wife Amy and can be found playing an occasional nightly gig, writing songs about his experiences, walking his dog Jupiter or in his home kitchen playing gin rummy, a favorite pastime. Note: Due to Covid the Alzheimer’s Music Festival is postponed until early 2022.