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Having been involved in a lot of charities and benefit organizations I have come to realize that one of the first groups of people that often times get involved are musicians.  Most large scale charity events or walkathons involve live performances of some sort.   Who comes to their aide in a time of need?

Recently I found myself answering that question.  The guitar player (nicknamed Chickenhead)  of a punk band called DI found himself in a situation where he was diagnosed with cancer.  He like many musicians did not have any health insurance.  This is something that is common across the board with artists in general, not only musicians.

He went to a well known hospital in Newport and was quickly denied services when he stated that he was going to pay cash.  Eventually he found a hospital willing to accept him, and develop some sort of payment plan.  Paying for cancer treatments and everything that goes with it is not going to be an easy task.

Without going into the problems of our health care system the question really becomes what can we do about it?  For this particular guy we are putting together a benefit concert on April 27^th.  All of the proceeds from this event will go toward his cancer treatments.  He has been paying cash for his treatments at an estimated six thousand dollars per week.  Many bands have already agreed to volunteer their time to help out a fellow musician.

Now the only thing we can do to make a difference is get our community to this event, and to educate others about where they can get help. Chickenhead and his wife have put together a  non profit charitable organization  to help others in the same situation.  Both have been overwhelmed by the response by bands and fans wanting to help.  Having the non profit will allow the donations to be tax deductible and may prove to be an extra incentive for some people.

The reality is that most people are very sympathetic to cancer and cancer related issues.  The difficulty that presents itself here is that many people in our community are not sympathetic to the needs of someone who plays punk rock.  Even though there is a commercialized version of punk all over televison with pop punk bands being established left and right, there are still many people that frown on the idea or reference. Another challenge Chickenhead is faced with in the fight to raise money. 

The Benefit show

April 27^th at the Dome.

Drain Bramaged

Stink Eye

Union 13

Media Control

The widders

Frontside grind

Local bands

Three chord whore

The mantors

Raping white bitches

Box jumper

The order of file and claw

Paci fists

And many more to be announced!!!!

All proceeds to help him pay for the chemo treatments.

More information at www.teamgoon.com/chickenhead

Or www.myspace.com/bakochckn