MUSIC: I am humbled and grateful. Some of my musical friends are giving a concert to benefit Kathy and the Huntington’s Disease Program at UConn Health Center. That is where Kathy gets treated for HD (and I get support). The concert will be Sunday, July 27th at the Nacul Center, 592 Main Street, in Amherst, MA.
- Bruce King is a wonderful singer and guitarist. He holds the distinction for being the only living person that has covered one of my songs – Marriage of Convenience. (The late Dewey Burns used to growl his way through Love on the Line.)
- The Nields, sisters Katrina and Nerissa Nields have been our musical friends since my open mic days. Kathy loved them because they reminded her of her many sisters. I can’t tell you how many times she would wake up in the morning and say “I had another dream about the Nields.” They were always good dreams as I remember. Kathy and I also had the honor of designing two of their CDs.
- Jim Henry and Tracy Grammer have been our friends for a long time. Jim showed up at the same open mics back in the 90s. We were both friendly losers in the Boston Acoustic Underground competition. Jim is a wonderful song writer. He is also a well-regarded side-man for many artists including Mary Chapin Carpenter. Tracy Grammer has a beautiful clear voice. She was a design client of ours starting with a simple poster. Tracy rose to acclaim as half of the American folk duo, Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer. They released three celebrated albums featuring Carter’s Americana song craft. Dave suffered a fatal heart attack in 2002 while they were on tour. Tracy has kept Dave’s legacy alive with touring and releasing many of his songs. She has become an excellent songwriter in her own right. Jim and Tracy contributed to two of my songs Marriage of Convenience and Tonight I Wish.
- Michael Orlen put this whole event together. The first time I heard him was at the Nacul Center. He is a singer songwriter and wonderful finger-style guitarist. He was a frequent performer at legendary Boston venues including the Sword in the Stone and Turk’s Head. He is performing at this event as part of the folk pop duo Orlen and Gabriel. A few of my favorite songs are A Dog Will Have His Day and his song about Amelia Earhart.
- Other performers: Greg Alexander is a multi-award winning, touring singer / songwriter. He has performed on stages from Newport to Berlin, Germany. Also appearing: special guests, Dennis Avery and Rick King.
With any amount of luck I will make it to the event. As readers of this blog know, it is often difficult to get away. Assuming Kathy is doing OK that day and feel comfortable with her breathing etc. I’ve never been that far away. I will be there to thank people. Spread the word if you can.
Tracy Grammer Jim Henry The Nields Michael Orlen Bruce King Greg Alexander