HAPS' Blues, Brews and Barbecue event comes back to 'raise funds for programs dedicated to those affected by Parkinson's disease'

The Houston Area Parkinson Society’s Blues, Brews and Barbecue event is coming back on Sunday, May 23.

The Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS) serves individuals with Parkinson’s disease and advocates for those same individuals  regularly. 

“Our mission is to reduce the fear and isolation associated with a Parkinson’s diagnosis by using a whole-human approach to community building,” said Madelyn Perry, manager of special events for HAPS. “We exist to ensure that no one faces a Parkinson’s diagnosis alone. We see a world in which all affected by Parkinson’s have the hope and confidence and support needed to live life to the fullest.”

Event organizers know what their guests love, and plan to provide the variety of bands, food and atmosphere in this in-person event that regular attendees have grown to love. Attendees will be making a difference for individuals in the community who are affected by Parkinson’s disease, whether they are patients or family and friends of patients.

“This in-person event will include food, fun and live music from local blues bands. Your participation will help us raise funds for programs dedicated to those affected by Parkinson's disease,” Perry said. “We are partnering with Wicklow Heights again, and the music will include some new and some returning bands – Steve Krase Band, Evelyn Rubio, The Drift, Tony Vega Band, and Rick Lee & The Night Owls. BBQ for the event has been generously donated by 2 Guys 1 Pit.”

Tickets are available at several tiers. VIP tickets are $75 and include barbecue and live music, an event t-shirt and drink ticket; general tickets are $40 and include barbecue and live music. Tickets can be purchased here.  

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that mostly affects the neurons in the substantia nigra area of the brain that produce dopamine. An individual with Parkinson’s disease may not show symptoms immediately. Instead, symptoms typically come on over the years, and the progression is different from patient to patient. Some common symptoms include tremors, mostly when people are resting, which can be described as “pill rolling tremor in the hands." Rigidity in the limbs, balance and gait problems, and slowness of movement (also called bradykinesia) are common symptoms.

To find out more about HAPS, visit the organization’s website.