Memories Unleashed- Jazz and The Great American Songbook is a LIVE theatrical concert series.

Presented by The Elijah Rock Foundation Inc., Memories Unleashed is a groundbreaking fusion of music, Black cultural legacy, and brain health awareness, designed to deepen public understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related disorders (ADRD). By harnessing the universal appeal of live jazz and The Great American Songbook (1920s–1960s), this free-to-the-community series delivers an emotionally rich experience that celebrates the legacies of legendary Black musicians like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat "King" Cole, while honoring the contributions of Tony Bennett, who courageously battled Alzheimer’s disease. Memories Unleashed connects generations through music, memory, and cultural heritage.

Inspired by Elijah Rock’s personal experience navigating his father’s journey with Alzheimer’s, Memories Unleashed is shaped by his acclaimed career as an award-winning entertainer, his training as an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at UCSF, and his collaboration with Charles Windon, MD, an assistant professor of clinical neurology at the UCSF Memory and Aging Center. Featuring special guest Antonia Bennett in the San Francisco performance, honoring her father, the late Tony Bennett, and his battle with Alzheimer’s, each event seamlessly combines world-class musical performances with insightful discussions on brain health, memory, and the profound impact of dementia.Through music and conversation, Memories Unleashed fosters community, builds trust, and raises awareness among populations often underrepresented in clinical research.

The Memories Unleashed – Impulse 1 album features Elijah Rock performing nine beloved standards from the Great American Songbook with arrangements provided by Rayford Griffin and Todd Hunter. Griffin has played drums with a who’s who of music including Jean-Luc Ponty, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Anita Baker, and Michael Jackson. Todd Hunter played keyboards with Dionne Warwick for over 15 years and has worked with Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston, Nancy Wilson, and the Brian Setzer Orchestra among many others. Their arrangements for the medium-size jazz group on this project are fresh, swing, and wrap the music around Elijah Rock’s voice. Memories Unleashed speaks to music’s ability to revive and reconnect us with treasured moments, especially for those affected by cognitive decline.

Impulse 1 symbolizes the spark of connection—much like a single neural impulse setting off a cascade of thoughts, emotions, and actions. This project is more than a collection of songs—it’s a bridge between communities, a call to action for dementia awareness, and a tribute to the shared memories that define us all. These emotions tap into the brain’s neurological processes, such as memory retrieval and emotional recall, which are essential to identity. A highlight of this album is a heartfelt duet between Elijah Rock and Antonia Bennett. This collaboration honors Tony Bennett's legacy while shining a light on the importance of Alzheimer’s research and advocacy. The album allows audiences to carry the spirit of Memories Unleashed beyond the events, fostering a deeper, lasting connection to the cause. All proceeds from the album directly support ADRD research and advance the Memories Unleashed outreach initiative, reinforcing the foundation’s mission to inspire meaningful action and advocacy for brain health.

Memories Unleashed - Impulse 1 was funded by a grant from the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Society. Memories Unleashed (San Francisco & Miami) events were funded by a grant from the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) and the Alzheimer’s Association. *All research conducted at sponsored Memories Unleashed events have IRB approval.

💜 For Sponsors (Community-Funded Events):
Want to help make a Memories Unleashed event free for the public? Become an event sponsor and help bring brain health awareness to your community through the power of music and storytelling.

📧 Email us at theelijahrockfoundation@gmail.com
💸 Click HERE to DONATE!

🎭 For Presenters (Theaters & Performing Arts Centers):
Booking Memories Unleashed means bringing a world-class, purpose-driven performance to your stage — while aligning with a nationally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit. All presenter fees support our nonprofit initiatives and qualify as a charitable donation.

Elijah Rock Music at: www.eliajhrock.com