BLUES IS A HEALER TOUR
BSWPA ENTERTAINS AREA’S VETERANS
The inspiration for Blues is a Healer Tour came from our own Bubs McKeg. A plan to show appreciation to our local veterans began to formulate on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2007. It was met with overwhelming support by the Society and by the local Blues musicians. The first stop on the tour, December 23, took our traveling assortment of players, fans, well-wishers, volunteers, and family members to the Highland Drive VA Medical Center. Izzy and Chris, winners of the acoustic duo category at the West Virginia Blues Challenge, “kicked” off the festivities with their own style of Delta blues. Live band performers included: Bubs McKeg, Ms. Freddye (a finalist in the BSWPA Blues Challenge), Rich Kacin, Jim Fanciscus, and Annie Friedland. The musician volunteers included: John Erskine and Jerry C. on percussion, , Jim Hamel and Bubs McKeg on guitar, Ann Friedland on keyboards, Ken Laminson on bass, and Chris Nacy on Blues harp. Undoubtedly, it was a heartwarming and challenging experience. The evening and its performers were electrically charged with the excitement of helping to ease the pain and suffering of our local Vets during their stay at local hospital facilities. The veterans and their families showered our troupe with appreciation and thanks. The outpouring of love was overwhelming. The musicians provided their own brand of entertainment with their own arrangements and groupings of fellow players. The sound was amazing, the music fulfilling.
Also amazing was the outpouring of donations and time from the local VFW. Refreshments and support were provided to make the evening a truly magical event.
At press time, the tour was making preparations for their second stop, the Aspinwall Veterans Home on December 29, 2007. Refreshments and assistance were again being provided from the Aspinwall VFW.
-- Jonnye Weber
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