It can be a cold, frosty morning for the annual AlzheimerB次元官网网址檚 walk, but a Belmont secondary rhythm and blues band helps people keep a spring in their step.

For the fifth year running, Soul 62 is performing at the Walk For Memories event at the University of Victoria, which supports the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

B次元官网网址淢y own mother has AlzheimerB次元官网网址檚,B次元官网网址� said Glenn Whitney, a Belmont music teacher and band leader. B次元官网网址淭he event struck a chord with me. I feel the need to support it.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淚t makes us feel good to provide the background music. ItB次元官网网址檚 often cold and brisk out, so the music gives a well-needed boost to an event like that.B次元官网网址�

Soul 62, with 16 musicians including Whitney, has a full rhythm and horn sections and typically belts out 1960s and 70s rock, R&B and soul tunes B次元官网网址� Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder are old favourites. They have a 40 tune repertoire in all.

Most of the Soul 62 kids have been with the band for at least three years, giving the group unusual depth and experience for a school band.

Many of the kids started with Whitney when he taught at Dunsmuir middle school in Colwood, before he was transferred to Belmont.

B次元官网网址淭hey are definitely not a typical high school band. They are a great sounding band,B次元官网网址� Whitney said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 nice not having to rebuild every few years and IB次元官网网址檝e found a very talented group along the way.B次元官网网址�

Soul 62 will be out bright and early Sunday morning in Centennial Stadium at the University of Victoria. The Walk for Memories is Jan. 30, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is at 9 a.m. For more information call 250-727-9191 or 1-800-667-3742.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com