Monday, August 31, 2009

Please Help DEAN MAGRAW!

bumped 8/31 1:20AM

This was the schedule and below, some comments. This event deserves more elaboration, certainly, but for now, this will have to do. Definitely one of the most memorable Concerts/Events of 2009.

Performance Schedule:
• 12:00-12:30 - Dakota Dave Hull
• 12:30-1:00 - Eastside
• 1:15-1:45 - Lehto and Wright
• 2:00-2:30 - Eric Hohn & Blair Krivanek
• 2:45-3:15 - Axis Mundi
• 3:30-4:00 - The Petersons
• 4:15-4:30 - Tim Sparks
• 4:30-4:45 - Elgin Foster
• 5:00-5:15 - Nirmala Rajesakar & Marcus Wise
• 5:15-5:30 - Marcus Wise & Mike Salovich
• 5:45-6:15 - Laura Mackenzie & Dáithí Sproule
• 6:30-7:00 - Marc Anderson, JT Bates & Jim Anton
• 7:15-7:45 - Café Accordion Orchestra, Diane Jarvi
• 8:00-8:30 - Greg Herriges Trio
• 8:45-9:15 - Prudence Johnson & Dan Chouinard
• 9:30-10:00 - Boiled In Lead

this was a phenomenal day of music. Oh man, for you folks out there who have never heard Dean or any of this large and eclectic assembly of talent that payed tribute to him today, you really are missing out.

This was in some ways, like a Nearfest for Dean. Or maybe better, similar to what is not happening sadly this year, but has many years in the past, "Nordic Roots Festival."

The only real issue that can be said was the fact each performer only was given 30 minutes, which for many of them, isn't even close to what they are given to perform normally.

But in the interest of the event and Dean, it didn't matter.

I don't have time to review every single performer, but I can say, there wasn't a boring or bad performance at all. Showing how eclectic an artist Dean is, this event went from genres such as Italian, to Jazz, to Folk, to Fusion, to Irish, to Twangy Blues. Maybe the guy who impressed me the most from the standpoint being unfamiliarity, was Eric Hohn. Not his entire set, but he played some electric bass, but on 2 or 3 songs he switched over to Acoustic guitar, and he had one of those silver pitch-shifters he wore on his finger, and he was creating this amazing twang-effect that just had my jaw dropping to the floor. It was like something I'd hear Jimmy Page do, or say Robert Johnson. I couldn't get enough of it. And certainly, it's something Dean has experimented with and would appreciate Eric's performance.

Nirmala who plays a Veena, Greg Herriges, Boiled In Lead, 8-Head (1 of Dean's bands, Anderson, Bates & Anton), Cafe Accordion Orchestra, and Eastside were among the others I thoroughly enjoyed.

Dean Magraw is a legend to many, and this event is only further proof of that. There's more benefit events coming up later this year, and I am gonna have to mark my calendar asap. Hopefully Dean will be attendance at them as he was not there today.




original 7/21/09 5:18AM
As a fan and friend of one of the most talented and like-able musicians and people, it really pains me to read about his current condition! I know he was battling cancer (since I've known him for nearly 10 years in fact), but the last I heard, he was doing much better.

If you are one of the folks around here in Minnesota or the area, it would be great to come out and attend this benefit show on August 30th in St.Paul.

And even if you're not, I would highly recommend his music, and to get to know what an immense talent Dean is.

deanmagraw.com
dean on myspace










Please join us in a benefit for Twin Cities' musician, Dean Magraw!

Dean is suffering from cancer-related issues and has had to cancel all of his performances for the foreseeable future. A benefit to raise money for his living expenses will be held on Sunday, August 30th, 2009 at Celtic Junction in St. Paul:

The Celtic Junction
836 Prior Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104

Doors will open at 1:30 and music will start at 2:00 PM continuing throughout the day until 10:00 PM. Many of the Twin Cities' finest musicians will be present, including members of the Peterson family, Boiled in Lead, Lehto & Wright, Marcus Wise and more.

There is a suggested donation of $15 or whatever you can afford. Please, please forward this email onto anyone who might want to know of this event.

For more information, contact:

helpdeanmagraw@yahoo.com or

folkrock42@yahoo.com

Thanks, and we'll see you there!


me with Dean and Earl Root (RIP) in 2002.



I'll never forget that. Right after seeing Opeth at The Quest, I go to Pizza Luce in downtown Minneapolis and I run into of all people, Dean!

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