As a local singer, Tracy James can often be found fronting an ensemble of philanthropically minded musicians that play under the banner of "Band Together." But on October 4, James will be banding together an ensemble of her own who all pledge to walk beside her and help fund a cure for Alzheimer's Disease.

Ms James and her growing team of supporters, including Band Together co-founder Jerry Vigorito, are among the confirmed participants in The Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This year's event is set for Sunday, October 4, from 8:30 am until 1 pm at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk.

While registration for the annual event, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, continues to shatter records and currently boasts 183 teams and 800 walkers who have raised $135,776 to date, for Ms James, the effort is very personal.

"My mother and her sister are both diagnosed with the disease," Ms James told The Newtown Bee. "Unfortunately, my aunt is in an advanced stage and has been wheelchair bound in a skilled nursing facility for four years."

Ms James, who lives in Newtown, became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter through Band Together in 2013, when she was asked to join the music group and perform during a fundraiser to benefit the chapter.

Ironically, that invitation came just a short time after her mother had been officially diagnosed with the disease.

"This is my first walk and I definitely will be doing it from now on," James said. "I have already reached a $1,000 threshold of support – pretty good for a newbie I'm told."

Although she is leading the "Band Together" team, Ms James wants her local friends and neighbors to know that it's not exclusive to musicians.

"Anybody can sign on or just donate to support the effort," she said. "I’m proud to walk for Alzheimer’s this October for the people suffering in my life and for those I’ve already lost. Not only do I walk for the people with Alzheimer’s but I walk for all the caregivers of those affected.”

For those unfamiliar with this local talent, Ms James is currently working on her fifth album.

"When I started out as a musician at 16, I was writing songs that sounded like Pat Benatar," she said. "Today my originals sound like they're more inspired by artists like Garbage and Tori Amos."

The local artist has also established her own record label, Zuludog Records.

Ms James and her "Big Bad Band" are scheduled to play next at Tony's Huntington Inn on October 11 from 4 to 8 on the patio. She is also hosting a Halloween party at the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield October 31, with a Super Hero/Super Villian costume theme.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will feature live music, children’s activities, a Zumba warm-up prior to the three-mile scenic walk and a meaningful tribute ceremony. Greenwich resident and Emmy-Award-Winning TV News Reporter Kendra Farn will be the emcee for the event.

During the walk opening activities, participants will be asked to choose a Promise Flower with a color representing their reason for walking. They will write a personal message on the flower and will raise it during the opening ceremony.

Following the ceremony, flowers will be placed in the Promise Garden.

Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Band Together team, or field one of their own. For free online registration or to make a donation to the cause through December 15, visit alz.org/ct.