(If any Irish music/arts/culture bloggers can promote this I’d be grateful!)

Press release which explains HD and the Guthrie Connection after the jump.

Woody Guthrie

40th Anniversary Show Featuring

Andy Irvine

Whelan’s – Wed 3^rd October 8pm

Charity Benefit – All profits go to

Huntington’s Disease Association of Ireland (HDAI) and

Focus Ireland

Woody Guthrie (1912 – 1967) was a singer, songwriter, writer and political activist. He had a huge influence on American folk music. He is also considered to have paved the way for singer-activists such as Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen. His music influenced whole generations of singers and songwriters He wrote more than twelve hundred songs including ‘This Land is Your Land’, ‘It Takes a Worried Man’, ‘Hobo’s Lullaby’, and ‘So Long its Been Good to Know you’.

Many of his songs have been recorded by hundreds of major recording artists worldwide.

Woody lost his mother to Huntington’s Disease (HD) at the age of 18. Despite developing HD himself in his early thirties he continued in his personal and social struggles for many years more. Having been hospitalised in his latter years, he died aged 55 on October 3, 1967.

HD is an inherited disorder of the central nervous system. It causes progressive deterioration with varying symptoms which may include involuntary movements, speech impairment and intellectual and emotional changes. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 and 45, although they may appear earlier or later. HD is a genetic condition with each child of an affected parent having a 50% likelihood of inheriting the gene. To date there is no effective treatment or cure. HDAI is a voluntary organisation providing support and information to HD families. We give patients and their families all the time, support and practical help we can to enable them to live with this awful disease. Make It Your Cause – www.huntingtons.ie