Benefit set for Johnny Sanders
Johnny Sanders, often seen performing with his brother Jimmy as The Sanders Brothers, needs help.
A talented and hard-working musician, Johnny Sanders has been diagnosed with liver cancer. A benefit to help him with medical expenses is scheduled for Sept. 27, 2009, at the M & M Lounge in downtown Gresham.
Johnny Sanders started in the mid-‘60s with Ural Thompson’s band and performed on the CD Can You Dig It? He also performed at the Cotton Club, owned by Paul Sr. and Geneva Knawles. The Cotton Club has seen some big name entertainers. Sanders was there to back performers such as Big Mama Thornton, Albert Collins, Major Lance, The Ballads and The Fidels. He has also backed local musicians including Lester McFarland, Randy Monroe, Regina Earvins, Roslin Johnson, Alisha Lock, Patrick Lamb, Norman Sylvester, Calvin Walker, Linda Hornbuckle, Lloyd Jones, Ron Steen, Thara Memory and too many more to list here.
Sanders performed on The Tonight Show with Riff, toured Europe with Tony Coleman’s Funk Band and more recently at BB King’s club in Nashville, Tenn. Sanders also performs with “twin” brother JImmy.
Johnny Sanders is in Portland now, to be with family and friends/caretakers. The benefit on Sept. 27 at the M&M is from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sanders eagerly participated in benefits for others and he needs your help now. The event includes various acts, poems, dancing and door prizes. Of course, donations are welcome. If bands and entertainers would like to participate, please call Lena Braxton at 503-995-3552 or email to stll_nelson@yahoo.com.