Fundraiser gig for Optimo DJ Keith McIvor to take place this weekend

The National

2 days ago

Keith McIvor, also known as JD Twitch – one half of the Glasgow duo Optimo – announced his diagnosis last week, saying that he will be prioritising spending time with his family.
Writing on Instagram, he said: 'Over the past few weeks I have received lots of enquiries about my health having missed several gigs since being admitted to the hospital.
Glasgow clubbing duo Optimo 'Following extensive tests I've been diagnosed with a brain tumour and I have been told my condition is untreatable. As you can imagine, I am currently trying to process this news and prioritising spending precious time with the people I love.
'I know this may be difficult news to receive through social media, and I'm sorry if it feels sudden or impersonal.'
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A crowdfunder to raise money for McIvor's ongoing care and access to therapies to manage and ease his symptoms was launched by his family.
It has surpassed its initial target of £50,000 since it was launched, raising more than £87,500 at the time of writing. His family said the fundraiser would continue to stay open amid the "uncertainty" around the full extent of care costs.
Any excess funds from the fundraiser will be shared equally between four causes: Glasgow NW Foodbank, the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, Brains Trust and Taki's Shelter in Crete.
And on Wednesday, it was announced that a special live music event will take place this weekend at Queen's Park Arena to raise further funds.
The event, taking place in collaboration with Optimo Music, will take place on Sunday and will feature sets from Tony Morris, Semispecific Ensemble and GK Machine.
Originally planned by McIvor himself as a fundraiser for Glasgow NW Foodbank, the event will now also support his ongoing treatment and care. The portion of proceeds initially intended for the foodbank will still be donated as planned.
Tickets begin at £0.50 and are available via the Skiddle website. There are also ticket options with a £5 or £10 donation included.
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Commenting, Chet Capkiner, director of inhouse CIC at Queens Park Arena, said: "Optimo has been our spiritual home for so many of us for decades. Keith's presence and influence changed many lives – including mine.
"This is a chance for us to return that care and energy, and to support him and his family when it matters most. A true musical mentor and inspiration to us all."
Glasgow clubbing duo Optimo (Image: Matthew Arthur Williams) Along with Jonnie Wilkes, McIvor ran Optimo Espacio, regarded as one of the city's most loved club nights, for 13 years between 1997 and 2010 at the legendary Sub Club venue.
Originally from Edinburgh, he moved to Glasgow to attend university, and began to DJ at the same time.
McIvor's Optimo club nights went on to establish a reputation for its eclectic music and became one of Scotland's most popular club nights.
The duo continued to DJ, playing festivals and gigs around the world, but McIvor's condition meant that he was unable to play at Optimo's recent shows, including their own festival, Watching Trees.