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Pete Karnes Benefit at The Gemini
By: Kurt "Swingcat" Johnson
Man, what a show! With a virtual who's who of Portland blues talent,
the Pete Karnes Benefit Blues Show at The Gemini Bar and Grill in Lake
Oswego was a sellout! The show raised funds to help Portland blues
harp pioneer Pete Karnes pay for rehabilitation treatment for his aortic
aneurysm and resulting paralysis from his truck accident. Karnes is
now unable to work and is living in Florida with relatives. His blues
musician friends (and there are many) decided to hold a benefit show
to raise money to help with his treatment costs.
Show organizer and well-known drummer Randy Lilya explains, "We're
fortunate to have some of the most talented singers and musicians here
in Portland. We also have some of the most caring and giving people
in our music community. I organize a lot of benefit shows and I've
never heard the word ‘no’ when I asked someone to help
or participate. Whether it's for a drummer or harp player or stage
hand, they all step up to the plate to make it work, particularly for
someone like Pete Karnes who, like myself, many people never met.” Lilya
continues, “The benefit show was a great success and was testament
to the caring and generosity of our blues community. I'd like to thank
everyone who came out and performed, helped or just contributed, enjoyed
the show and thought of Pete. In particular, I'd like to thank the
following people: Linda Hornbuckle, Jim Mesi, Terry Robb, Robbie Laws,
Jon Koonce, Doug Rowell, Big Leroy, Jim Solberg, Peter Dammann, Dave
Kahl, Jim Wallace, Franko, Bill Rhoades, Mike Osborn, Tom Szell, Rick
Welter, Cory Burden, Don Worth, Jr, Mike Moothart, Don Worth, Bob Walhke,
Sean Casey, Don Laughlin, Bonnie Carter, Rick Hall and Greg Johnson,
Ray Ryder, Steve Lindstadt, Jason Barbur, Steve Morelli, Crazy Jan,
Bob Anchetta, John Foyston, Curtis Salgado, Lloyd Jones, KINK Radio,
The Gemini Bar and Grill, Morrison St. Music, No Excuses Sound Co.,
The Oregonian, Positively Entertainment and Dining, The Cascade Blues
Association and a special thanks to Paul deLay for coming out and being
the "Special" guest vocalist when he had a broken hand! Again
thanks to everyone who came out, helped and donated to help out one
of our own, Pete Karnes."
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