Wandering Bass Player

 Detroit Musicians Host Concert to Benefit One of Their Own

Detroit, MI, February 29, 2016: Jeff Yondrick has been a fixture in the Detroit Music Scene since the late 70’s; playing with Moody River and the Kingston Street Blues Band. He was the session player of choice for musicians in the know. Yondrick always supported his fellow artists; hosting open jams with Downtown Donnie Vermillion and set to play bass on a new studio recording by Dan Kalicki. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer in May of 2015, those pursuits came to a halt – along with Yondrick’s income. Initial chemotherapy was somewhat successful, but a stroke during treatment & medical challenges for Jeff’s wife have caused major setbacks for the musician and his family.

On Sunday, March 13, 2016, numerous Detroit musicians will come together at Onyx in Royal Oak for a day long concert to help support Jeff Yondrick. From noon until 10p, a host of players will take turns on stage with individual sets and an all-star jam session at the end of the night. There will also be silent auction and raffle items donated by various local businesses. Some of the featured artists will be: Mary McGuire, Bobby Murray, Jennifer Westwood, The Broken Arrow Blues Band, Tosha Owens, and Joe Stanley & the Dirty Basement Blues Band. The event is spearheaded by Shadowhawk Ellis, founder of the Broken Arrow Blues Band and close friend of the Yondrick Family.

Ellis is a firm believer that no one should have to choose between paying for treatment or paying their mortgage. As he sees it, musicians are a family and sticking together to support one of their own is just what happens. All the acts playing the benefit show are donating their time and attendees are asked for a suggested minimum donation of $10. The costs of the treatment alone are close to $2,000 per month, so every bit helps. As a musician and member of NARAS, Yondrick may also be eligible for relief through the MusicCares Foundation. These Detroit musicians also care, deeply, about one of their own.