Community + Love: A musical benefit to support the Smershes

Recently, at age 48, beloved artist and West Seattle shop owner Frances Smersh was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. There is no treatment. There is no cure. And medical insurance does not cover what will be required. Alzheimer’s is a brutal, merciless disease. Plaques and tangles destroy brain cells and decimate not only a person’s memory but the essence of who they are–their personality and their ability to execute even the most basic of functions. While the length of survival is uncertain, Younger Onset Dementia progresses rapidly, and in September their doctor told them to consider the next twelve months the best ones they will have in this journey.

To help raise money to give Frances and John time to be together and to help pay for current and looming medical expenses, several long-time musician friends have banded together to present a unique and exceptional night of music. The musicians, having played and performed in many of Seattle’s most notable acoustic bands, are pooling their well-honed talents together for a one-night performance.

Dec 06, 2015 6:00 pm
at Karass Creative
Tickets online here

With a strong core of musicians, the night will feature evolving small groups, and different pairings as these friends join in and also step aside as the acoustic musical journey unfolds. Drawing from a range of folk, swing, americana, blues, old-time and bluegrass, it promises to be an engaging and satisfying night of music, and a celebration of community and love.

Heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following friends who are donating their
time, energy, and extraordinary talents to the show:

Grant Dermody: Harmonica, Vocals
Forrest Gibson: Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals
Michael Gray: Violin, Vocals
Orville Johnson: Dobro, Guitar, Banjo, Vocals
Greg Maass: Dobro, Banjo, Vocals
Mary Maass: Fiddle, Vocals
Joe Wilmhoff: Bass, Vocals

If you can’t attend, or are interested you can find out more info here: https://www.youcaring.com/frances-and-john-smersh-459781