Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Sept. 21, 2023 – World famous Dutch juggler, Niels Duinker, and high-flying silk aerialists “Duo Artis,” Leann Farley and Semyon Gruzdev from the all-new musical “Array” Variety Show, and Terry Evanswood, star of “The Magic of Terry Evanswood,” all in Pigeon Forge, will perform at The Smoky Mountain Walk to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at the Island in Pigeon Forge. They will perform between 2 and 3 p.m. on the stage in front of Ole Smoky Moonshine to benefit Alzheimer’s Tennessee.
Duinker, a comedic juggler, is originally from Amsterdam, Netherlands. He holds eight Guinness Book of World Records in juggling, which includes two of his most impressive feats, juggling 14 cups at once and juggling for the longest duration while blindfolded. He was recently inducted into the prestigious International Jugglers’ Association (IJA) Hall of Fame and he was previously awarded the Golden Merlin Award from the International Magician’s Society (IMS), for “Variety Act of the Year.” This prestigious award is only presented to those who have achieved the highest level in their craft, both on the national and international stage.
High-flying silk aerialists “Duo Artis,” Farley and Gruzdev will perform their quick change act. Farley has been dancing professionally since the age of 15 and has performed in multiple shows throughout her career both in the United States and overseas. Gruzdev graduated from one of the most prestigious dance academies in Russia and was a member of the Russian National Theater Dance Group. In 2010 while performing in the Yakov Smirnoff Show in Branson, Mo., Farley and Gruzdev formed their partnership, “Duo Artis,” and have been performing their aerial silks and quick change act together throughout the United States ever since. The “Duo Artis” can be seen performing their aerial silks and quick change act Monday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the “Array” Variety Show at the new Mountain of Entertainment Theater.
“What we strive to do at the Mountain of Entertainment Theater is the exact opposite of what Alzheimer’s does,” said Hugh Warren, producer of the “Array” show, as well as host and singer. “Our goal is to create family memories to last a lifetime. Alzheimer’s robs people of those memories and so many more! I watched my grandmother suffer with Alzheimer’s for many years, so I know first-hand the heartbreak that families go through and the fear and confusion that the patients suffer through every minute of every day. We are thrilled to participate in the Alzheimer’s Walk to help put an end to this horrible disease. We encourage everyone to walk to make Alzheimer’s a memory.”
Terry Evanswood, one of magic’s fastest rising stars, is now a favorite family attraction in the Smoky Mountains. His show features grand scale illusions, magical comedy and award winning sleight of hand. Performing professionally since the age of 10, Evanswood was endorsed into the Society of American Magicians by David Copperfield and Harry Blackstone Jr. Evanswood has received many of the highest honors in magic’s history, including a scholarship to the Chavez College of Manual Dexterity and Prestidigitation. He also received the first and only Certificate of Excellence Award ever to be given by the American Museum of Magic. In 1991, he became the youngest illusionist to perform at Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle. Terry received the highly coveted Merlin Award from the International Magicians Society, the largest fraternity of magicians in the world. Evanwood’s illusionary career has taken him from sold-out performances in Aruba, Miami, Cancun, New York, Alaska, Canada and even the magic city of fabulous Las Vegas.
Teams are now forming to raise money for Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a local organization proud to serve the community for 40 years, funding research for Alzheimer’s treatment, advocacy and education about the disease, and support for families living with the disease. Anyone who would like to donate or sign up to join the family-fun, pet-friendly walk on Oct. 1 should visit the Alzheimer’s Tennessee website at www.alzTennessee.org. Those who register by Sept. 29 and raise $50 or more will receive a T-shirt. Participants can earn more incentive prizes at the $100, $200 and $500 levels.
The event is rain or shine, with entertainment on the Ole Smoky Mountain Stage and more festivities including “Donate for a Duck to Win!” set to begin at 2 p.m. The opening ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. and feature a special fountain show, as well as the walk down memory lane, which follows at 3:45 p.m. Attendees at the event will also be able to enjoy special offers from The Island and a dedicated area of the parking lot with buses to take participants directly to the registration area by Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
This year’s event at The Island will actually mark the 31st year that Smoky Mountain families, friends, coworkers and church members have come together to show their support for loved ones, the Alzheimer’s community, and the services that Alzheimer’s Tennessee provides.
Duinker and “Duo Artis” can be seen performing Monday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the new spectacular “Array” Variety Show at the Mountain of Entertainment Theater. The “Array” Variety Show showcases talented musicians, singers and dancers performing hit songs from all genres of music spanning several decades. There are also other specialty acts including a hilarious comic magician and amazing gaucho dancers from Argentina.
Tickets for the “Array” Variety Show are on sale now. Ticket prices are $38.95, plus tax for adults; and $12.95, plus tax for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 1-3 are free if they are sitting on an adult’s lap. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. For more information, call the theater’s box office (865) 245-4FUN (4386) or visit mountainofentertainmenttheater.com.
Tickets for “The Magic of Terry Evanswood” are $26.96 plus tax, and youth are $12.95 plus tax. He can be seen on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m. For information call the theater’s box office at (865) 774-7777 or visit www.thegrandmajestic.com
Founded in 1983, Alzheimer’s Tennessee is a 501c3 not-for-profit headquartered locally in Knoxville with six regional offices across the state. In 2011 the Alzheimer’s Tennessee local Board of Directors voted to return to its independent status and disaffiliate from the national Alzheimer’s Association. Today, donors appreciate that 85 cents of every dollar donated directly funds the Alzheimer’s Tennessee Mission: To serve those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to promote brain health through education, and to champion global research, prevention and treatment efforts.
For more information about the walk, call 865-544-6288 or email kay.watson@TNalz.org or visit www.alzTennessee.org/SmokyWalk
Alzheimer’s Tennessee is always available to answer questions about Alzheimer’s and related dementias through its 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-ALZ-Gate (1-800-259-4283), your Gateway to services. Find helpful videos and information from experts at www.alzTennessee.org or call 865.544.6288