A concert was performed by Jay Allen, an up-and-coming country-rock artist from Nashville, TN for the residents and their families, staff, caregivers and their families on the teardrop of Wesley Manor on Tuesday, June 18, 2025.
Jay Allen is not only a rising star in country-rock music, but he’s also a relentless advocate in the fight against Alzheimer’s. His heartfelt anthem, “Blank Stares,” inspired by his mother’s battle with this disease, has resonated with millions around the world. His music does not just tell a story; it connects us, uniting us in hope and determination.
Jay has helped raise over $160 million to fight Alzheimer’s disease, spurred on by his mother’s passing in 2019. He has been featured on NBC’s The Voice, People Magazine, and ABC World News, and was named one of Music Mayhem Magazine’s 2023 Artists to Watch. In 2023, he received The Caregiver Award from The National Alzheimer’s Association, performed in the U.S. Capitol Building, was invited to The White House, and completed his first international tour. Jay continues to tour with his band “The Stallions” and advocate for dementia patients and caregivers through his music, including his new album Des Moines.
Arriving earlier in the day, Jay, Hunter, his backup guitarist and vocalist, and Stacy, his Manager took the time to tour Wesley Manor stopping along the way to visit with residents and staff. Their visit to the Memory Care unit was touching when a resident told him that she had a grass skirt and was going to wear it to the concert and dance. Jay obliged by indicating he would look forward to seeing her later in the day and would dance with her – which he did.
His music and his deep personal convictions to not only honor the residents but commend the caregiving team at Wesley Manor for what they do every day were appreciated by all. While the evening air was warm, it didn’t stop anyone from enjoying the concert and singing along to many of the songs he sang. His tribute, however, was when he left the stage and asked all the Wesley Manor team members to join him when he performed his heartfelt anthem “Blank Stares”, with the staff surrounded behind him. He wrote this song commemorating his mother and the journey she experienced with Alzheimer’s Disease.
The process of getting a rising musician to come to Wesley Manor was the brain spark of Lori Criswell, Wesley Manor’s Human Resources Director. Lori, through social media, contacted Jay’s Manager, and the process began. Through donations from Wesley Manor vendors, community businesses, etc., funds were raised and resulted in the ensuing concert. The evening was made complete with three different food trucks where all involved could enjoy the variety of food options
Photos and video by Erick Dircks can be seen by clicking the links below