Alzheimer’s Family Center launches Hearts in Harmony concert with Eric Rigler

Alzheimer’s Family Center will host its inaugural Hearts in Harmony concert on Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Samueli Center in Costa Mesa, featuring bagpiper Eric Rigler and Celtic Hollywood. The event spotlights AFC’s music-centered approach to dementia care and its long-running adult day program for families in Orange County.

Why it matters: - Alzheimer’s Family Center is tying its care mission to live music, a strategy it says supports engagement, connection and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. - The concert also highlights AFC’s role as one of only four California organizations designated as experts through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Center of Excellence in Dementia Care program. - The event underscores growing attention to non-drug approaches in dementia care, including music therapy and structured social programming.

What happened: - Alzheimer’s Family Center will present Hearts in Harmony, its inaugural concert series, on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Samueli Center in Costa Mesa. - Eric Rigler and Celtic Hollywood will headline the event. - Tickets and event details are available at more information. - The event will include complimentary champagne, wine and dessert pairings. - Seating is limited to 250 guests.

The details: - Rigler is known for a 50-year career on bagpipes and tin whistle. - His work has appeared in James Cameron films, including Titanic, and in productions such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Braveheart, Avatar and Outlander. - Rigler will lead a sextet with symphonic strings, keyboards, guitar and percussion. - AFC says the performance format is meant to match its long-standing use of music in treatment, therapy, social experiences and special events. - AFC says it began using music as treatment 43 years ago. - AFC provides about 28,000 days of care each year. - AFC’s services include nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, speech therapy, mental and behavioral health, and transportation. - AFC says its music-based offerings include a treatment and therapy program built around 14 interactive music elements. - AFC says its program is designed to promote engagement, connection, movement and enjoyment.

Between the lines: - The event doubles as fundraising or awareness-building for AFC’s adult day care model, which is still less visible than other dementia care options. - AFC is using a high-profile performer to draw attention to a care approach that blends clinical support with sensory and social activity. - Dr. Aaron Ritter of Hoag Memory Program said AFC is one of the few places he knows that provides compassionate, impactful and caring support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease. - Ritter also said AFC’s music program has demonstrated a significant overall impact and has outperformed medication therapy for behaviors including cognitive awareness, recall and depression. - Joanna Richardson Jones, AFC’s CEO, said the center created the concert series by design because music has been part of AFC’s treatment approach for 43 years.

What’s next: - AFC will use the concert series as another vehicle for its music-centered programming and dementia care model. - The organization is positioning the event as part of a broader push to connect treatment, therapy and community experiences. - AFC says it will continue offering structured music programs, therapeutic activities and special events alongside its clinical services.

The bottom line: - AFC is turning a concert into a message: music is not just entertainment at the center, but a core part of how it says it helps people living with dementia.