Ugh. I hate to be typing this, but here is a link to an Indie Go Go fundraiser for John Jennings who is fighting metastatic kidney cancer. You can read all the details at the site but he has had surgeries and is canceling his touring with Mary Chapin Carpenter this summer and his other projects. That’s tough. Having been through the mass canceling of gigs when Susan broke her arm, it is frightening to say the least when you are self-employed like that.

If you know me you’ve probably heard me talk about JJ. He was my very first guitar hero. I spent hours and hours learning transcribed solos of his from Mary Chapin records when I was in high school. I bought a Martin Backpacker because JJ had one (I still have it…he signed it).

I’ve had the good fortune to run into him several times over the years, and even when I pop up in the oddest places like San Francisco or Folk Alliance in Memphis (where we were both conference attendees), he is the nicest and stops for a chat. Here’s a link to his bio if you want it…he’s worked with the likes of Mary Chapin, the Indigo Girls, Lyle Lovett, and John Gorka to name a few. His musicianship is bar none and his qualities as a great human being surpass everything.

Give what you can and share this link. Chances are he’s had his hand in at least one album or show over the years that has affected your life. Give back!