Topic: Our friend Jerry Ricks

[Rivers]

From Larry today:
-----------------
Early Sunday morning 6 AM:

Nancy wants to be clear about what is really happening and in her words:

"I don't know what is flying around the web!"

Nancy asked me to share relevant parts of the email she sent to me last
night:
If you're sharing this please do not embellish or recreate any of the
information.

Saturday, September 22, 2007 7:02 PM

> Dear Fly  [that's me btw]


"........ a brief update about Jerry...  On Tuesday
> the Doctor told me the infection he's fighting comes from an abcess in
> the brain.  They're treating it with very heavy antibiotics because to
> operate would be to dangerous ......> They also inserted a stomach drain...
internists, stomach specialists came to see him Wednesday afternoon.  ...he has
been transfered to another hospital to be operated on to remove a "blockage" in
the small intestine.. he's slept> most of the time but has a fever...

> I just saw the announcement for the Benefit from Michaels radio mailing
> list and broke into tears... these past 10 days have been rough...
> Love,
> Nancy "


Michael Cloeren and other friends of Jerry are putting together a benefit
October 28th in Philadelphia. Needless to say, ALL proceeds from the event
will go to Jerry's medical expenses and rehabilitation.

For information regarding this benefit concert please link to:

http://mountainofblues.com/main.shtml

To make a direct contribution please send funds to:
\\
 The "Philadelphia" Jerry Ricks Assistance Fund
> >>         Bank of America
> >          100 Federal Street
> >          Boston, Ma 02110



Best Regards,

Larry Hoffman

http://www.myspace.com/lawrencehoffman

[Rivers]

From Nancy via Larry:

"  Good news, that Jerry is visibly stronger the past 3 days, and his
intestines are begining to regain function, this was Extremely
important!  "

[Rivers]

Press release forwarded by Larry today:

FRIENDS of ?PHILADELPHIA? JERRY RICKS

?Friends of ?Philadelphia? Jerry Ricks? to organize Benefit Concert

Sunday October 28th, at The Commodore Barry Club, Philadelphia.

To help defray medical expenses incurred due to

Brain Tumor Surgery in Croatia.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Ginny Buckley:

570-474-5049 (o) 570-594-5917 (c)

gbpress@ix.netcom.com

International Blues Musician ?Philadelphia? Jerry Ricks, who got his start while working in Philadelphia?s Second Fret Folk house in the late 1950?s and early 60?s, was diagnosed with a brain tumor while performing in Croatia. The tumor was removed on September 6th 2007, and while everyone is hopeful that a full recovery is in the works, his health problems and consequential inability to perform has left Jerry and Nancy, his life partner, in a desperate financial situation with mounting medical bills and expenses.


Jerry?s friends and admirers from his Second Fret days, the Philadelphia Blues Machine, the Pocono Blues Festival, the Philadelphia Folksong Society, and mountainofblues.com have joined together to help remedy the situation with a benefit concert designed to help generate as much financial support as possible.


Confirmed at this time to perform are, Long time friend David Bromberg , The Dukes of Destiny, Steve Guyger and Richard Ray Farrell, Ari Eisingar, Saul Broudy & Friends (w/Kenny Ulansey & Dennis Gormley), Rolly Brown, Mike Miller, Ted Estersohn, Dennis Donnelly and MOJO STU.

Also performing will be a well known surprise guest, to be announced later.


Musicians wishing to participate should contact Doug Waltner at (267)-251-8666 or e-mail at dwaltner@hughes.net


Those wishing to volunteer to help run the day, Please contact Peg Waltner at 570-646-7872 or cell 267-251-5394 e-mail pwaltner@hughes.net


For Information Updates please check www.mountainofblues.com under Blues News on the homepage.


Benefit for ?Philadelphia? Jerry Ricks

Sunday October 28th 2007 ? 2pm to 9pm

The Commodore Barry Club

6815 Emlen Street, Philadelphia PA 19119

Donation: $25.00 at the door, day of event (no advance ticket sales)

There will also be merchandise for sale, and raffles.


If you are unable to attend, and wish to contribute you may send donations to: Friends of ?Philadelphia? Jerry Ricks

PO BOX 1017

BLAKESLEE PA 18610


OR make donations via PayPal at www.mountainofblues.com

You do not have to have a PayPal account to do this.


?Philadelphia? Jerry Ricks has learned from and performed with possibly every Country Blues Great, The list is too long for this release, but includes Brownie McGee, Son House, Champion Jack Dupree, Lonnie Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, and Many Many More?


As these Blues Musicians were an influence to Jerry, he became a great influence and mentor to countless musicians in Philadelphia and Worldwide, passing on the Blues Tradition to the next generation. Included in his impressive list of students is John Oates, of Hall and Oates, who donated a beautiful S33 JASMINE acoustic guitar in a hard case, autographed by him and his partner Daryl Hall, which will be raffled off at the event. Also ex Ricks students Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman, who went on to form the Hooters, are sending mementos to sell, such as T-shirts, CDs, etc.


Jerry spent most of his time from 1970 to 1990 in Europe, where he performed over 2000 times; Including performances in almost every Major Jazz and Blues Festival in Western and Eastern Europe, as well as the United States.

[Rivers]

Jerry wowing 'em in Croatia with James Alley Blues in open C. Too short!

[Rivers]

Update from Doug:

Here is the final press release, announcing the inclusion of Shemekia Copeland on the program
 
Nancy reports that Jerry is improving slowly-able to feed himself now.
 
From Rivers:
OK people, Jerry's bills must be mounting. I urge all who have decided to contribute and have not yet gotten around to it (we're all busy people) to hit up www.mountainofblues.com paypal link right now, click on the big yellow 'Donate' button down the page.

If you'd prefer to send a check direct:

The "Philadelphia" Jerry Ricks Assistance Fund
Bank of America
100 Federal Street
Boston, Ma 02110

[Rivers]

Here's the text of the press release mentioned above:

FRIENDS of ?PHILADELPHIA? JERRY RICKS announce THE SHEMEKIA COPELAND BAND to join

DAVID BROMBERG;

THE DUKES OF DESTINY & STEVE GUYGER and Many other Philadelphia Musicians for ?Philadelphia? Jerry Ricks Benefit Concert, Sunday October 28th 2007.at

The Commodore Barry Club in Philadelphia


For Immediate Release:

Contact: Ginny Buckley

gbpress@ix.netcom.com

570-474-5049 (o) 570-594-5917 (c)


The Friends of ?Philadelphia? Jerry Ricks Benefit Concert organizers are THRILLED to announce that Grammy Nominee and Handy Award winner, Shemekia Copeland and her Band will be performing at the benefit concert set for Sunday October 28th ; at the Commodore Barry Club in Philadelphia. Also performing will be Blues Guitarist and Ex Johnny Clyde Copeland side man, Bobby Kyle.


They will be joining a long list of Jerry Ricks friends and admirers, including David Bromberg, Steve Guyger & Richard Ray Farrell, Ari Eisenger, Saul Brody & Friends (w/Kenny Ulansey & Dennis Donnelly) The Dukes of Destiny, MoJo Stu, Rolly Brown, Mike Miller, Ted Estersohn .

There will be ?Silent Auctions? throughout the day of donated items which include an Autographed Jasmine Acoustic Guitar from Philadelphia Natives John Oates (long time friend & former student of Ricks) and Daryl Hall (Hall & Oates). Two 8 x 10 Autographed Photographs from renowned Photographer Jef Jaisun 2007 KBA winner (keeping the blues alive) of Jerry Performing and one of him ?Chatting? with Robert Lockwood Jr. backstage at the 2002 Portland Waterfront Blues Fest. Four pairs of (Saturday & Sunday) 2008 17th Annual Pocono Blues Festival tickets.


There will also be numerous items for sale donated by Musicians from CD?s to T-shirts and a 50/50 drawing.

Anyone wishing to donate items please contact Ginny Buckley at

gbpress@ix.netcom.com (570)-474-5049. (o)


Seven weeks ago Jerry Ricks was diagnosed with a brain tumor while performing in Croatia this summer; the tumor was successfully removed on September 6th th, in Croatia. Since the surgery, Jerry has gone through several setbacks, including intestinal surgery, and an abscess on the brain (which is being treated with heavy duty antibiotics)?While everyone is hopeful and optimistic for a full recovery, his lack of medical insurance, and inability to perform musically has left Jerry in a desperate financial situation in Europe.


FOR INFORMATION UPDATES PLEASE GO TO

WWW.MOUNTAINOFBLUES.COM


If you are unable to attend and wish to contribute you may send donations (checks/money orders) made to:

Friends of Philadelphia Jerry Ricks

PO BOX 1017

BLAKESLEE PA 18610


PayPal donations may be made at the Home page of www.mountainofblues.com


Musicians wishing to participate please contact Doug Waltner at

(267)-251-8666 or via e-mail at dwaltner@hughes.net


Volunteers are desperately needed to help run the day, Please contact Peg Waltner at (570)-646-7872 or cell at (267)- 251-5394: E-Mail: pwaltner@hughes.net



?BENEFIT for ?Philadelphia? Jerry Ricks

SUNDAY OCTOBER 28TH 2007

2PM TO 9PM

THE COMMODORE BARRY CLUB

6815 EMLEN STREET

PHILADELPHIA PA

Donation $25.00 at the door, day of event (NO advance ticket sales)

[uncle bud]

Any reports from the benefit concert yesterday? All of us who were unable to attend would be interested in hearing any details.

[Rivers]

From last week:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/10/25/help-fix-jerry-ricks
Article in City Paper courtesy of Mary Armstrong

From Larry yesterday:
A quick & short shout-out to all those who weren't able to attend last
night's benefit:

The predictably amazingly efficient and diligent work of Michael, Peg, Doug,
Ginny, Payton, and Damon, (sorry for not remembering or knowing more of
those who made this event possible)-- as well as the excellent, professional
sound crew and many performers including David Bromberg and Shemekia
Copeland--- all who graciously donated their time--- combined to make last
night as memorable as any I can remember.  The audience / fans---most whose
lives have been so touched by bluesman Jerry Ricks ---came together to
celebrate and donate along with the performers. This was a memorable night
indeed, and if there is any truth to the belief that strong, great, and
loving vibes can help cure, then it went a long way to helping our ailing
friend and blues mentor.

I am sure you will find details soon on Michael's Mountain of Blues website:

 http://mountainofblues.com/main.shtml

Please keep sending what you can to:

> The "Philadelphia" Jerry Ricks Assistance Fund
>> >>         Bank of America
>> >          100 Federal Street
>> >         Boston, Ma 02110

Thanks, and keep the faith,..

I will continue to send updates as I get them,

Best,
Larry Hoffman

http://www.myspace.com/lawrencehoffman

[waxwing]

I caught part of the show, i.e. Ari and a few acts before and after him. Ari played a great set, as usual, even if it was a little short, and was sporting his new Oscar Schmidt concert guitar (didn't see any label, but it's Spruce top with Oak s & B). He also played a late '30s 14 fret Duolian that Tom W, (onewent) had just finished settingf up earlier that morning. Both sounded great in the greenroom, but the sound sys was not really set up for unplugged instruments and the OS sounded too boomy over the PA. Ari, Tom, another friend (who might come out to PT next summer) and I took off for a great Persian dinner before Bromberg and Copeland played.

Also ran into Rochelle, from PT, who says Lauren Sheehan is playing a Folk Club fest in Philly soon. Good for Lauren.

It was rather interesting watching a reunion of the old Philly folk scene. Ari was seeing a lot of old friends and told us at dinner that he is going to get back into the swing and start focusing on playing out more.

Whoo-Hoo.

All for now.
John C.

[onewent]

..what waxwing said, and, from my own point of view, having grown up in the Reading, PA area and living in Philly in my late teens, there were  some folks I'd known only by name and reputation, and got to see perform.  Lots of mention of the old Second Fret and Main Point, and the mutual respect and admiration shown to Jerry was evident in each and every performer as personal Jerry stories were shared w/ the audience.  I saw Rollie Brown perform for the first time and enjoyed his rendition of Steve Mann's arrangement of Drown in My Own Tears.  Spent a good portion of the afternoon hanging out in the musicians lounge area w/ waxwing and ari, meeting folks and talking guitars and blues.
Gave up a second row seat just before the Bromberg set for a Persian dinner 
Tom

[uncle bud]

Thanks for the reports fellas. I see Ari's influence extends beyond things musical... 

[Rivers]

From Larry this evening:

OUR BENEFIT RAISED OVER $20,OOO FOR JERRY RICKS.. This from the phla. InquirerInbox
   
OCTOBER 29, 2007
Ailing Philly Bluesman's Pals Dig Deep

Friends and fans of ailing bluesman "Philadelphia" Jerry Ricks flocked to
the Commodore Barry Club yesterday, feasted on a lineup that included
Shemekia Copeland and David Bromberg and swapped stories of the guy who "did
a lot more than teach music," as one organizer put it.
And raised more than $20,000 for his recovery.
The money is needed to pay for his medical expenses and rehab in Croatia,
where he is recovering from brain surgery. Ricks started getting headaches
in August, and has not left the hospital since being diagnosed with a
non-malignant tumor. He doesn't have insurance, according to his partner of
17 years, Nancy Klein. Croatian musicians have put on their own benefit for
the bluesman who moved to the Balkan country six months ago.
At Sunday's benefit here, about 325 patrons listened to an afternoon and
evening of blues and folk. They snapped up autographed guitars, CDs,
t-shirts and other memorabilia -- all donated so Ricks could benefit from
their sales. Top money - $500 - went to a black and white portrait of Ricks,
taken by Jef Jaisun, the Seattle photographer, at West Coast blues festival.
After writing a column about Ricks' health and financial woes last week, I
got phone calls from all sorts of people who had learned guitar from him, or
known him from the days of the Philadelphia folk revivial in the late '60s
and early 70s, when he washed dishes, swept up, and jammed with the best at
the Second Fret.
"Everybody has a Jerry story," says Doug Waltner, a old friend who more
recently hosted home concerts by Ricks. "Everybody says, 'Oh what a pain in
the ass. But so many - musicians - said, 'He saved my life' or" He really
turned me around.' I understand it. it?s a really strange thing. I figured
this out thru this (benefit). Jerry did a lot more than teach music. People
learned a lot of things from him that had nothing to do with music. God I
hope he pulls through this and does well."
Posted by Daniel Rubin at 10:48 AM in Music
Permalink

[Rivers]

Hi Friends and Fans of Jerry Ricks,

As of Nov. 14th 7:41 AM , Nancy updates progress as follows:

"Dear Larry,
...........
...... Saturday, they did another scan because Jerry was having some
problems, they found he had a reccurrence of edema (fluid in the brain)
and put him on therapy for this.  His head had been all clear and last
Tuesday they ended his abcess antibiotic treatment.  The "normal"
treatment was to be 4 to 6 weeks, they ran it for 57 days, to be sure.
Everything has been functioning in his abdomen, he had been scheduled
to go to rehab this week, they may still do so.  His psychology is
difficult to handle at times, sometimes he has no expression at all.
He's very weak, and has been sleeping a lot, doesn't have great
apetite.  A few times said he feels terrible, other times, no pain at
all.  I'll let you know more when I know.

Love,
Nancy "

I will continue to keep you updated! and..

Remember! You may send donations to:

\\The "Philadelphia" Jerry Ricks Assistance Fund
> >>         Bank of America
> >          100 Federal Street
> >          Boston, Ma 02110

Larry Hoffman

http://www.myspace.com/lawrencehoffman

[Rivers]

Please send your very best thoughts Jerry's way, sounds like our guy is having a very tough fight. From Larry today:

Fellow Friends and Fans Of Jerry Ricks,
I received this just this morning 8:11 AM Nov. 19

"Subject: More news...

Dear Larry,

A lot has happened these last few days.  Wednesday afternoon Jerry
became non-responsive, was sent to Neuro Surgury Department in the
evening, with IV Meds, he'd "come to" and did recognize me, and made
responses.  There was a possibility they would need to operate again,
so Thursday morning they made a new MRI scan.  The test showed a new
abcsess forming in the brain, with it's surroundind "fluid", they
operated on Friday, the Surgeon said there were no complications in the
operation, he should feel much better after this.  I saw him Friday
evening afterwards, he looked suprisingly good to be so soon out of the
operation, was conscious, and recognized me.  Saturday, he slept most
of the day, was conscious, smiled a few times, in pain sometimes, tried
to speak a little bit, took some sips of tea.  Sunday he slept all day,
no responses.
In the long term, the question will be if they were able to remove all
of the infected "material" or if the infection has been there too long
and become too embeded to be removed...
I'll keep you up to date as best I can.

Love,
Nancy "

I will continue to keep you updated and..

Remember! You may send donations to:

\\The "Philadelphia" Jerry Ricks Assistance Fund
> >>         Bank of America
> >          100 Federal Street
> >          Boston, Ma 02110

Sincerely,

Larry Hoffman

http://www.myspace.com/lawrencehoffman

[Rivers]

Another update from Larry:

Dear Fellow Friends and Fans Of Jerry Ricks,

I have decided not to censor this and future updates from Nancy   (she asked me to do so at my discretion). It is time we all faced the serious struggle that is becoming the very life of our friend :
 

?Dear [Larry],

Just a quick update, as I can.  Jerry was taken to Rijeka ICU last
night for therapy, he's in a "light coma" now.  He's getting blood
again for anemia, oxygen, has sepsus infection, they let me have 45
minutes with him after they settled him in to the ICU last night.
They'll build his system as much as they can.  No "complications" from
the operation, he came through very well, but it's been 3 months and
he's weak.  There may not be much to report for a while as they do
this, it's an extremely controlled environment, and they're watching
him SO closely.
Love,
Nancy ?

I will continue to keep you updated and..
>>
>> Remember! Please send donations to:
>>
>> \\The "Philadelphia" Jerry Ricks Assistance Fund
>>>>>         Bank of America
>>>>          100 Federal Street
>>>>          Boston, Ma 02110
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> Larry Hoffman
>>
>> http://www.myspace.com/lawrencehoffman