Chris Caswell: A charitable gathering for a leading Harpist and Harper

I share with you some bitter news... concerning our dearest Chris Caswell... a leading harper and wonderful musician... the news were spread by my friend Danny Canahan... hope some of you would love to give a little help... Hereby is the mail excerpt

Never Matter what will happen tomorrow... you spirit will always be with us ...and will always keep on shining... your are part of our deepest feelings and your music will stand by our hearts for ever in this life....wherever our paths lead us.. we shall meet together once again....Keep on shining for us as always ☼

(here's Caswell Carnahan in 1999, having, as usual, a hell of a good time)

"I hope all your holidays are happy, healthy, and festive this year. Saundra and Teddy and I certainly are enjoying the season and looking forward to all the lights and trees and menorahs and presents and cookies and family gatherings that the near future promises.

But I need to write you all today with a bit of sad news. Chris Caswell, my friend of many years and Caswell Carnahan partner back in our youth, has aggressive and unforgiving abdominal cancer. Being more optimistic than his doctors, he is expecting to be with us for more than a few months, but he is increasingly ill and is working hard to finish building a few harps and to tie up his karmic loose ends. The musical community has risen up amazingly on Chris's behalf, learning of his situation and the dire financial straits in which this lands him and his family. He is getting daily support with meals and dog-walking and other mundanities and some money has come in, though a great deal more is needed.

So we've all banded together and booked two benefit evenings for Chris, one at the Dickens Fair in the Cow Palace, Saturday, December 22nd, and one at the Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley on Monday, February 4th. All comers are welcome and all proceeds will go directly to Chris and family. Dozens of performers, many of whom have shared the stage with Chris over the years, will be featured at both events (Chris, too, if he can) and more events are likely to be scheduled to accommodate the many who weren't able to take part in these first two.

Many of you remember Chris from our Celtic romp together 30 years ago. Many know him from his teaching and performing and harp building and mentoring through the years. Chris occupies a singular place in my musical life and I will be forever in his debt. So I am happy to help coordinate the Freight show and get the word out to the wider world.

If you'd like to learn more about the Freight show, you will shortly be able to visit the Freight website and get information on who will be performing (me, certainly, and a whole slew of my talented friends) and buy tickets.

For more information on the Dickens Fair show, which I understand will be an evening concert after the Fair ends on Saturday, please contact Danese Cooper at: danese@gmail.com

And if you have any extra charitable change jingling in your pockets this season, you can always pop on over to PayPal and give whatever you'd like directly to Chris by addressing a gift to: Resolve@sonic.net

Chris's family will get 100% of all PayPal gifts.

Chris has brightened many of our lives. His illness just further proves that life ain't fair. So please join me in hugging our loved ones and counting our blessings. And may the rest of your holiday news be happy. We send all our love to you!

Never Matter what will happen tomorrow... you spirit will always be with us ...and will always keep on shining... your are part of our deepest feelings and your music will stand by our hearts for ever in this life....wherever our paths lead us.. we shall meet together once again....Keep on shining for us as always ☼"