JU Lee, Florida songwriter, banjo and guitar player, and all around great guy left Florida in December to undergo cancer treatment in Chicago. There are multiple events in the next couple of months in Florida to help fundraise for the Lee's financial support. this message is an update of his condition and a listing of the next event on February 6 at Molly Malone's pub in Winter Park, FL from 2-6 PM. Any local Mudcatter's are encouraged to come out and support our local living folk treasure. Unfortunately he can't be here for the event, but great music will be had in addition to a good time. Molly's has donated a keg of beer for the event in addition to 5 dollars at the door and lots of raffles for good stuff.

Medically, he is in the tough period and having a hard time while trying to keep spirits up. Tonight when we talked to them, they wanted to know what gigs we have coming up so they can be ready when they get home. He has also written a couple of songs since goin up there. You can take the fella away from home, but not away from his music. He spent over five hours today just trying to get food into his body around the third degree radiation burns on his neck, face and throat, but is still thinking, feeling and playing his music.

I sent this message not under the healing thread, but all thoughts and kind feelings for our friends, JU and Wanda Lee, are appreciated and welcome. The folk community, while loosely based and encompassing many different types of people, is really a close knit group of like minded people that accept the differences while embracing the likenesses we all feel in our musical experience. AS JU said in our last performance, HOORAY FOR US. This is an expression of our joy in being together and connecting with each other, so hooray for us. Kristi Upsala-a string band, may our members all be together again soon.