This Sunday (20th July), Queen’s Park Arena will host a special live music event in collaboration with Optimo Music to raise vital funds for Keith McIvor – known to many as JD Twitch – a hugely influential and much-loved figure in Scotland’s music scene who is currently facing serious health challenges.
Keith recently shared news of his diagnosis, which has been met with an outpouring of support from across the music community. The event — originally planned by Keith himself as a fundraiser for Glasgow NW Foodbank — will now also support his treatment, care, and family during this incredibly difficult time. In keeping with Keith and his family’s wishes, the portion of proceeds initially intended for the food bank will still be donated as planned, honouring his long-standing commitment to community causes.
The Crowdfunder, launched in response to overwhelming support from friends, fans, and collaborators, has already surpassed its initial target. The fundraiser remains open, as the family are still uncertain about the full extent of care costs in the months ahead. Any excess funds will be shared equally between four causes close to Keith’s heart: Glasgow NW Foodbank, the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, Brains Trust, and Taki’s Shelter in Crete.
Taking to the stage on Sunday will be a host of artists connected to Keith and the wider Optimo community, including the genre-defying Isa Gordon, cult one-man electronic band Tony Morris, the boundary-pushing Semispecific Ensemble, and revered selector GK Machine, who will be stepping in to DJ with Keith’s full endorsement.
Keith’s contribution to Scottish music culture is immeasurable. As one half of Optimo (Espacio), his fearless programming, inclusive ethos and uncompromising vision helped shape generations of artists, DJs and music lovers – not just in Glasgow, but around the world. His work has always gone beyond the dancefloor, creating spaces infused with a deep sense of community spirit.
This Sunday’s event offers an opportunity to come together in support of Keith – a friend, a mentor, and a true innovator – and to celebrate the enormous impact he’s had on all of us. It’s a gathering of love and solidarity, fuelled by the music he has championed for decades.
”Optimo has been our spiritual home for so many of us for decades,” says Chet Capkiner, Director of Inhouse CIC at Queens Park Arena. ”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.”
Tickets for Optimo Music Presents: a fundraiser for Keith McIvor (JD Twitch) are available HERE.
The primary channel for raising direct funds for his ongoing care and access to therapies is through Keith’s official Crowdfunder. The link and further information can be found HERE.
You can read statement from Keith about his health and send him a message HERE.
~
A Plea From Louder Than War
Louder Than War is run by a small but dedicated independent team, and we rely on the small amount of money we generate to keep the site running smoothly. Any money we do get is not lining the pockets of oligarchs or mad-cap billionaires dictating what our journalists are allowed to think and write, or hungry shareholders. We know times are tough, and we want to continue bringing you news on the most interesting releases, the latest gigs and anything else that tickles our fancy. We are not driven by profit, just pure enthusiasm for a scene that each and every one of us is passionate about.
To us, music and culture are eveything, without them, our very souls shrivel and die. We do not charge artists for the exposure we give them and to many, what we do is absolutely vital. Subscribing to one of our paid tiers takes just a minute, and each sign-up makes a huge impact, helping to keep the flame of independent music burning! Please click the button below to help.
John Robb – Editor in Chief
