Last week, Shake It Up and the Star played host to a fantastic night of dancing and singing along to Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night performed by Peter Byrne and the Sydney International Orchestra. Byrne had the audience on their feet, hands in the air, bopping away to classic tunes.
Neil’s many fans in Australia were devastated and saddened when he recently announced his retirement from live performing due to Parkinson’s, cancelling his Australian tour. The debilitating neurodegenerative disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, including many notable celebrities like Billy Connelly, Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda. In light of this, Peter decided he would put on a concert in support of the Shake it Up Australia Foundation to help increase awareness and raise funds for research to find a cure for Parkinson’s.
Proceeds from the night were donated to Shake It Up Foundation including an exciting raffle for an original, signed Angels guitar. The raffle alone raised over $6,000.
“Clyde Campbell, CEO and founding director of Shake It Up Australia said the night was a huge success for the Foundation: “Everyone left with a smile on their face & another positive step for people with Parkinson’s.”
Shake It Up would like to say a massive thank you to all those who supported us on the night including The Star, Ticketek, Australian Fire Supplies and of course, Peter Byrne and the Sydney International Orchestra. A special thank you also needs to go to all those who joined us on the night in the audience – we hope you loved the show and thank you for helping to raise over $55,0000 to support a cure for Parkinson’s.
