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* A note about musicians and health care

Musicians, as you probably know, tend to be very in tune with the notion of taking care of their own -- in part because we live in a land that mostly does not take care of them. (You'll find considerably more support for the arts, not to mention broader health care, in many other nations...but I digress, inevitably.)

What follows, then, is an abbreviated roundup regarding several musicians in the extended Americana community who have recently fallen victim to health problems. Sadly, a couple of them have already left us, but the efforts of their fellow musicians (and fans and friends) are continuing nonetheless:

* Drew Glackin, bassist for the Silos and Tandy and a contributor to several other acts both onstage and on record, died in early January from a thyroid condition that had gone untreated in part because Glackin could not afford health insurance. A handful of tribute-show benefits already have taken place to help raise funds for Glackin's family to defray medical and funeral expenses. Next up, on May 3-4 in Raleigh, North Carolina, is "Get The Hint," a two-day concert series designed to raise awareness and funds for the Future of Music Coalition, which is seeking to help musicians obtain health insurance.

Performing on May 3 at the Pour House are Tres Chicas (plus a Hazeldine reunion), Chip Robinson with the Heavy Beat Outfit, Patty Hurst Shifter, Chris Mills, the Silos, Quarry Hill, Tandy, BJ Barham, Glory Fountain and Port Huron Statement. Robinson plays again on May 4 at Sadlack's Heroes along with Kenny Roby, Lou Ford, Joe Swank & the Zen Pirates, and the Cartridge family. More info is at: http://www.myspace.com/the_hint

* Accordionist/guitarist Chris Gaffney, known for his work with the Hacienda Brothers, Dave Alvin, and many others, died April 17 of liver cancer, in the midst of a handful of benefits that were being arranged to help with his expenses. That benefit effort is still ongoing; more information is at http://www.helpgaff.com

* Guitarist Duane Jarvis, who has released several solo records in addition to playing with the likes of Lucinda Williams, John Prine and Dwight Yoakam, was treated for colon cancer in late 2007. A benefit to help with his medical expenses is scheduled for June 12 at the Wonder Ballroom in Portland, Oregon.

* Pianist and entertainer Candye Kane was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A benefits is scheduled for May 5 at Humphrey's in San Diego, with other events in the works for the Seattle and Austin areas. Donations to help with Kane's medical expenses can be contributed via paypal.com using the address candyekanetour@aol.com

Please feel welcome to add comments in regard to any further details about these folks and events, and/or to add news about anyone else you believe warrants a mention here. It's up to all of us to help get the word around.

And, on yet another major primary election night, let us keep in mind the significance of health care reform in this coming presidential election. Whoever you vote for, here's hoping they'll help to fix a system that's long past broken.

adios,
peter

Posted by peter on April 22, 2008 7:45 PM | Permalink