an open letter to Rusty Bladen fans:
We can give you a detailed update on Rusty's return to the stage, what his plans are and what you can do to help the Bladen train to get rolling down the rock and roll tracks again .
(ed. note: We run the rustybladen.com website from Indianapolis, and talk to Rusty 3-5 times a week, and multiple times during the day when we are working on something specific.)
First, here's more on Rusty's health: he feels good; the things that are healing are his arms. He is in good spirits, though a bit restless. He is obviously anxious to return to the day-to-day life of a touring musician. The tour van accident was October 9th, and as we moved into November, Rusty can now eat with no assistance and also get dressed - save help with a shirt - by himself.
Kinda tells you how tough the first few weeks must have been.
Two upcoming benefits are hugely important for his return.
Bladen has to buy a tour van, and replace his main rack of equipment (the main speakers survived). Insurance covered some of the van and little of the price tag on the racks of equipment. That's what donations at the two live benefits hope to aid, allowing him to get what he needs to get back on the road.
Yeah, he could probably take out a loan. Rusty rarely cuts corners on his equipment, and sounds great not only because he is talented, but because he puts that talent through great sound equipment. So that's a good chunk of change. $8,000? $10,000? More?
I don't know an exact figure; I haven't asked yet.
But for him, it's been no paychecks from the beginning of October until now. And then a loan?
For all we (meaning the fans) get from a Rusty Bladen show: kinship, inspiration, laughter, acceptance - wouldn't it make sense that we give something back to him, for the great shows every one of us has been lucky enough to have seen?
The first benefit is November 14 on Indy's southside, at Gallagher's II. There are about ten bands lined up to perform, and an auction of an ever-increasing list of donated musical (and other) items, including a John Mellencamp-autographed guitar. Mad Dog Matis from Q95 will emcee the auction and the bands will play from 2-9pm. Paul Holdman, who played in Rusty' s band at the Regatta shows a couple of years ago, will play at the benefit. So will Ann McWilliams, who also hosts of WTTS' Independent music show on Sunday night. So will many others.
It will be fun. It is a chance to say hello to Rusty again. It is also an opportunity to get the guy up and running; Rusty is planning on hopping up for a short set around 7pm. His new band will be there and he'll give it a go.
For southern Indiana fans, a benefit is planned for November 20 at Hoopsters, in New Washington, with Danny Lee Anderson playing. No word on if Rusty will be there yet, though I'd bet yes.
He's itching to get on stage, as evidenced by a 40-minute set the other night at the Madison Broadway Hotel, singing with friend Joe Hanna.
***
That's all. Just a wish that you support his return from the injuries. We run the website because we believe in Rusty Bladen, having seen him take an audience, and captivate them, and how he connects with those individuals listening to his words and music.
That's the magic that we want to see again. That's why we keep you up-to-date on news out of the home and office of one Madison, Indiana singer/songwriter. We want you to experience it again too.
Not many chances to see Rusty until a New Year's Eve return to Gallaghers for a full show.
These two benefit shows are the first steps.
We are hoping to give a nice boost to one guy who has always made it easy for all of us to have an evening of rockin' good music, clapping, singing-along and a plain ol' good time.
This is one time it seems to make sense to give something back to him.
Take care,
Rob
