Chandler Dennard and Darron Burnette attend the Heritage Golf Tournament each year. But a few years ago, they came away with much more than an appreciation of the sport. They came away with an idea that would bring some top artists to the Boro and make an impact for the Alzheimer's Association locally and throughout the state.

Dennard, who is assistant head and athletic director for Bulloch Academy, said it was during that tournament that they were invited to see an Elton John tribute show at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C., which raises money for a charity there.

"At intermission, I told Darron, ‘We could do this. We can do this in Statesboro. We can do this at the PAC,' " Dennard said.

It didn't take long for a committee to form, and the Elton John tribute group was signed up for the inaugural Rockin' Out Alzheimer's show, as well as the second, to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Since that time, the now 12-member committee has worked to also bring tributes to Journey and Billy Joel to town.

This year, the event will feature Tony Kishman in "Live and Let Die: A Tribute to Paul McCartney," a show that Burnette says should push the total amount of money raised for the Alzheimer's Association Georgia Chapter to more than $250,000.

"When we started raising money for Alzheimer's, I never dreamed that it would develop into what it has become today," he said. "My mother fought this terrible disease for over six years, and eventually passed away in 2012. It has made me passionate about the cause. I love having the opportunity to honor my mother's life through our efforts. Chandler and I have a great group of dedicated committee members who help make this happen."

Last year's show raised $38,600. Dennard said they expect more than $40,000 this year.

"The community, they've always supported this cause really well. Wal-Mart is our lead sponsor. Both the sheriff and police departments did No Shave November, and will present the money at the concert, so we don't know the total yet. The sheriff's department also did a Boston butt sale," Dennard said, adding that 85 percent of the money made from each show goes directly to the Alzheimer's Association. The rest is used to cover the cost of the event itself.

Casey Corley, director of Constituent Events for the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter, says the concert will support ongoing services in the area, including a 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900), professional training, educational programs, multilingual information, Medic-Alert Safe Return bracelets and more.

"We provide services locally to those affected by Alzheimer's, advocate for policy change and scientific funding, and advance research toward prevention, treatment and ultimately a cure. We are able to do that because of the commitment of our generous donors and dedicated volunteers that organize fundraising events like our annual Rockin' Out Alzheimer's concert. Because of these volunteers, we are able to offer free services to families locally and throughout the state of Georgia, to families navigating this awful disease," Corley said.

Both Burnette and Dennard are excited about this year's show.

"The guy that's doing the tribute, Tony Kishman, he actually started ‘Beatlemania.' He is like the No. 1 Paul McCartney guy in the world. He does a couple of different Beatles tributes, and one of them traveled to London. You have to be pretty good at it to do Paul McCartney in London," Dennard said, laughing. "He looks just like him and he sounds just like him."

Kishman is an actor, singer and recording artist who starred for six years in "Beatlemania" and also performs in the Beatles symphony show, "Classical Mystery Tour." He also developed and stars in "Twist & Shout," a Beatles tribute show.

Kishman developed "Live and Let Die," which features his own performance vocally, as well as on bass, guitar and piano. He is regarded by many as the world's best McCartney lookalike, and his vocals are second to none. In addition to his stage performances, he has recorded for RCA Records and Mercury Records.

Kishman called the set list for the upcoming show a "nice variety of all the big hits." He said he's worked hard over the years to perfect the role, including the variances in McCartney's voice.

"He's got that sweet, love song voice, and that great growly voice. I try to cover all the voices. I have a lot of fun with it," he said.
Kishman said the audience can expect to have a great night at the show, because they will provide a high energy performance, covering McCartney's hits from the Beatles era to his time with Wings to his solo career.

"It will be as if Paul himself is on stage," he said.

The Rockin' Out Alzheimer's events have grown in attendance each year. The first year, Dennard said, there were about 600 people in attendance. The average attendance the past three years has been about 700-800. The concerts are held in the Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern University.

"The PAC holds 825. We'd love to sell it out," he said.

Dennard said this year's show has been logistically really different. The five-man band, which includes Kishman, is flying in from all over the country, and the local committee has had to rent instruments for them. He added that Pladd Dot Music in Statesboro gave them a great rate on those rentals.

The weekend begins with a pre-party featuring live music at Gnat's Landing, at 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 27. The concert begins on Jan. 28 at the PAC at 7 p.m. An after party featuring Tokyo Joe will be held at Wild Wing Café from 9:30 p.m. to closing immediately following the concert.

"It's kind of a music weekend," Dennard said. "It's a lot of fun. Tokyo Joe puts on a great show. Last year we had a great crowd. We'll have a couple hundred people there this year (at the after party)."

Tickets for "Live and Let Die: A Tribute to Paul McCartney" are $20 for students, and $25 for everyone else, and are available online at georgiasouthern.edu/pac. Learn more on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RockinoutforAlzheimers/.