Docs ready to rock for hospice

Administering treatment to patients is a very serious job. But at the annual Serenades of Life -- A Physician's Benefit Concert slated for 7 p.m., Sept. 18 at the Clark County Library Theater, 1401 E. Flamingo Road, docs have a chance to rock.

Sponsored by the Nathan Adelson Foundation, the concert features doctors from all over the valley showcasing their musical and performance talents, as opposed to their medical skills.

Created by Dr. Edwin Kingsley of Alter Ego, a band comprised of medical and other professionals, the concert has become a local favorite each year, drawing several hundred visitors. The doctors perform a hodgepodge of rock 'n' roll hits from the 1970s through '90s to Broadway showtunes and the occasional aria.

"We've been in existence since about 1984," Kingsley said. "I played with them in 1985, but because the demands of a young family and a new profession I bowed out for about 10 years. I came back and joined them again in 1996. I've been playing with them now for nine years. We play good old fashioned rock 'n' roll, and we have professionals from different fields, pathologists, we have an attorney, an architect, a UNLV professor, a business owner and an occupational therapist. We all have day jobs."

One of the featured doctor performers, besides those involved in Alter Ego, is Dr. Morton Hyson, a neurologist with a resume of operatic performances that's equally as impressive as his full-time job. Hyson has sung at places such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and was the official singer of the national anthem at Texas Rangers baseball games for seven years. But Hyson still prefers a career in neurology.

"It's more like a fervent hobby," Hyson said of singing. "When you spend more money on it than you take in, it's a hobby."

Part of the appeal for the audience is the genuine excitement of the performers. Alter Ego performs only every few months at local venues across the valley but has a loyal fan club of 850.

"We're all kind of aging rockers who refuse to give up and acknowledge our gray hair and our aching backs," Kingsley said. "It's a great volunteer time. It's all for the Nathan Adelson Hospice, which is the only nonprofit facility in Nevada."

Hyson, who performs regularly with the Nevada Opera Theater, said despite any professional engagements, he'll continue to participate in the annual concert because it's so much fun.

"There's something to be said for amateurs, they often have more enthusiasm than most professionals," Hyson said. "It's sort of like watching college football as opposed to professional football."

Tickets are available by calling 796-3133 or 938-3910. The ticket price of $35 per person includes a wine and dessert reception for all attendees. Those interested in Alter Ego can visit www.alteregorocks.com.


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