new heights

A Cause for Wellness McFarlane launches annual benefit concert and plans for kidney wellness center

Christened Kidney Rock, the inaugural event raised awareness of kidney disease as well as funds to support Angela Graham, McFarlane’s niece and kidney donor, while she healed from the transplant. Between the huge turnout and the funds raised that night - totaling nearly $14,000 - it became clear that Kidney Rock 2016 was the start of something big. McFarlane recalls at least one performer’s impression after the show, who exclaimed, “I knew this was going to be a great event, but I didn’t know it was going to be a love fest!”

Still in the planning stages, the second annual Kidney Rock Benefit Concert will continue the “love fest,” this time with fundraising efforts to support the National Kidney Foundation. Meanwhile, as McFarlane enjoys his increased energy and overall well being during his recovery from surgery and addiction, he is formulating yet another plan to help addicts and alcoholics with kidney failure.

On a February night in the performance space at Famous Dave’s in Uptown, a standing room only crowd packed the venue while music filled the air, all in support of a kidney transplant for Greg McFarlane. Waves of raucous blues, jazz and reggae performed by dozens of local musicians with national acclaim fueled a buzz of celebration and support for McFarlane, friend and fellow musician, in his time of need. “There were a lot of emotions,” says McFarlane. “It was a very surreal event.”

“It was a very surreal event.” -Greg McFarlane owner New Heights Sober House, LLC

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