Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 08:59 PM

This is very sad news indeed. I've made some inquiries about a benefit in the Philly area - I have a good line on a space we can probably use, though that's unofficial at this point. It would be good, though (no pun intended, though Utah would appreciate it) if I were able to sacre up some bigger name folks. I just don't have the contacts in Philly - most of my folkie friends are in DC, New England, or scattered throughout the country.

I'll continue cogitating.

Dan

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 08:38 PM

Mark and others who called today, thank you for that.

Art

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Mark Ross
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 03:37 PM

Hell! We're going to miss him. But remember, the man has survived what would have killed us lesser mortals long ago. Bet you dollars to donuts he will surprise the hell out of us. And I am looking forward to reading the book.



Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 02:50 PM

He is not going to be able to receive the heart transplant.   The option that remains is that they will try drugs and at-home care, but as he says in the podcast he will not live as long as he would if were able to receive the transplant.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 02:46 PM

With the computer and dial-up I'm using these days I cannot download the podcast. Please tell what is happening there with my old friend Bruce!!??

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: kendall
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 02:31 PM

It's too much. Too damned much.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 01:20 PM

Not good! This makes me so sad. I loved the time we have spent with Utah - he really is quite special.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 12:52 PM

Damn! One cannot help but be selfish. I want Utah to have that transplant because I feel there is much to be had from this great organizer, singer of songs and teller of tales!

We are moving on the Michigan benefit concert. Some very solid folks are already onboard including Mudcatter Matt Watroba, host of the "Folks Like Us" radio show in Detroit. We are in the initial planning stages, and are committed to raising significant funds for this hero of working folks everywhere.

Mick

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 12:40 PM

Dammit. Not good news.

Hang in there, Utah. You are loved.

P.S. He is incredible in his outlook and honesty.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 12:34 PM

Utah updated his podcast last nigth and the news is not as happy.

Apparently the heart transplant will not be an option. Check out the link above and hear Utah in his own words.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 07:49 PM

It sure might! As I well know. Takes some luck and some determination, but it can change everything.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: kendall
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 07:43 PM

Do we dare to hope that a new heart will allow him to go performing again?

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: kendall
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 04:04 PM

Mark, thanks a lot for that link, good job.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: gnu
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 01:52 PM

I'll third that about the link. Excellent!

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 11:28 AM

Thanks for the link. He sounds amazing knowing what he is going through, right now. So very kind and considerate, too, as well as slyly funny. I wish him the very best outcome and soon!

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: kendall
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 10:22 AM

He called me a week ago and among other things, he said he was suicidal. Then he told me about the call to Afghanistan...I should have known he was about to get me again. Will I ever learn?

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 10:21 AM

Thanks for the link Mark - highly entertaining!

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Mark Ross
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 09:54 AM

Utah called me yesterday and asked me to tell all of you thanks and to listen to his podcast on his website


http://www.utahphillips.org/podcast/index.html


I will let you know if I hear anymore. He should be going home in a couple of days.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 05:49 PM

Thanks for the info, Mark. I hope that he pulls through.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: GUEST,some fans in grass valley, ca.
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 05:46 PM

Yeah! Utah you are loved!

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 10:26 AM

Nice to hear he's on his way home, and not "All Used Up". If there is a benifit happening anywhere in the New England area, I would be interested in contributing in any way I can.

Marc Bernier

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: kendall
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 08:38 AM

The DVD Jacqui is talking about is the performance Utah and I did in California back in April of 06. It is now available for purchase. Utah cracks me up, and that's not easy to do!

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 08:17 AM

Great news!

We were watching the DVD last night and it got me thinking that this was too great a talent to lose right now.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: maeve
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 06:09 AM

Such very welcome news this is.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 10:52 PM

If something is arranged on the East Coast, and there is need of chef/cook/caterer, count me in. Plus, I sing great backup ; )

Dani

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: gnu
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 10:34 PM

Oh my! Great news!

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: kendall
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 09:23 PM

Ok everyone, all together now,

EXHALE Man! what a relief!

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 08:56 PM

Good news, folks. Art just called to say he just spoke with Bruce Brackney who told him they decided Utah just needed to have his pacemaker tweaked and will be going home in the next day or so! Apparently they are keeping him on the B list for now!

Art was pleased to hear of the plans for benefit concerts for his good friend.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 11:10 AM

Will do, Chance.

Mick

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Fortunato
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 11:05 AM

Mick keep me informed.
chance

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 09:44 AM

OK, I have taken the initial steps for two benefits in Michigan. One will be on the east side of the State, probably in Ann Arbor where Bruce has many fans. I am shooting for the second one in West Michigan. This is very prelim at this point. I have contacted Matt Watroba and he has expressed interest in helping. This is very preliminary.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 09:03 AM

I'll see Kendall's 600 and up it to 650 miles...

Until then, best wishes & prayers...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: kendall
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 07:23 AM

Hey Joe,
I was thinking of driving, that's why I said 600 miles. California would be out of the question unless we fly. Thanks for the invitation.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: GUEST,Jon Dudley
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 03:10 AM

Mark, as you posted this thread originally please pass on a message of support and love from The Copper Family here in 'olde Englande'. We had a great deal of fun with Bruce at the Champlain Festival a few years ago; he's a very special person and a lot of fun to hang out with. Please send our love and best wishes.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: reggie miles
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 01:14 AM

I'm certain that something could be organized here in the far upper left corner, the Seattle neighborhood. Utah has many fans here. It wasn't too difficult to organize something for JW when he had a similar health issue. I can think of many players that would gladly lend a hand for such an event and a few venues that would host it. Shall I begin by making a few phone calls?

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Rapparee
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 10:25 PM

I have two and half kitchens, two guest rooms and can, if need be, sleep a dozen people (more if you bring a motor home and park it on the pad outside). I can get the Stephens Performing Arts Center at the University for $2,500 for an evening (individual performance halls have different prices). Or you can use the second floor of the Portneuf Valley Brewery if you cut Penny Pink in on a little of the action (although she might volunteer it -- who knows with Penny?).

Skywest flies into Pocatello, or you can fly into Salt Lake City and take the shuttle up, rent a car, or whatever.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 10:04 PM

I would think a series of benefits in various locations would be doable - those of us in the Philly/New York/Washington/ Baltimore area might easily join forces to make a few benefits happen. There's a good crowd in New England. Four or five performers, both of the well known and less well known variety, could put together a great round robin.

All of that's easily within 600 miles of Kendall!

In less urban areas, maybe local folks could sponsor some "Utah Phillips Song Nights" with local performers to raise funds.

Dan

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 09:36 PM

600 miles? We want you to come here, Kendall!
We now have a spare room, so lodging is possible.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 09:25 PM

He asked me to post this on Mudcat to let everyone know the situation, he doesn't want the rumor mill to be going into overdrive.

I will pass on any messages for him of course. Hopefully the outcome will be for the best.

Mark, tell him he must come post soon or he'll leave it to everyone else to tell his jokes, etc. :~)

I'll send a note around to the Prayer Chain, and ask members there also to look in here for any benefit news.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: bigchuck
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 09:17 PM

Well, best of fortune to Bruce. I just heard Rosalie at Cafe Lena the other night, and she spent much of her concert with stories of the old days with him and sang many fine songs of his. He has long been one of my favorite storytellers and poets. I would gladly participate in any benefit I could get to. Transplant technology is pretty advanced these days. Here's hoping for years more of the great gadfly.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: kendall
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 08:34 PM

I will travel as far as 600 miles to attend a benefit. In the meantime, I'm going to send him a contribution.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Fortunato
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 08:32 PM

Jeri,

My memory could be faulty. Perhaps it was just the line for the toilet and tooth brushing. Seems like I remember towels and stuff.
I wouldn't swear to it Jeri.

best
chance

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Jeri
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 07:37 PM

A big honkin' festival/concert in a big honkin' city would be great, but a bunch of smaller ones at local coffeehouses and other venues would reach more people. ESPECIALLY if local unions could be informed. There are so many folks singing his songs now, it wouldn't be hard to do that, and the union folks could be a lot more help than anybody may guess.

Jean, I remember Bruce talking about how easy it was to play banjo, and then saying how much simpler a dulcimer was. That was on the stage at Fox Hollow during the day, and he made sure you were around. And Fortunato, nobody EVER told me there were showers there!!!

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Fortunato
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 07:22 PM

yes, yes, kytrad. you said it well.

I remember standing in an endless shower line with Bruce and Riki Schneyer (ajacent lines) at Foxhollow, he was endlessly funny. Helen Schneyer brought him to my open mike at Grant's Tomb in DC where he sang hobo tunes and mesmerized the packed house with his stories.

yep, I'd travel far to play a benefit if I could,

Maybe Dan Schatz can get the ball rolling.
chance

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 06:32 PM

Jacqui, I had it stuck in my head that we had a fund-raising link for him a few years ago and it was on his website, but I'm darned if I can find it, now. I've looked at his website and there is an address, so I'd guess any of us who wants to could send a donation and/or buy some CDs. I am sure any of it would help.

we could also do a thread for him, here, as we're doing for Art.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 06:25 PM

Utah- It's been a long time since we met- sitting on Rosalie Sorrell's floor in- where else?- Utah. You were a shy young fella pickin on a guitar and saying you didn't play very well. We called you Bruce- you became Utah later, when you left Utah...I'm getting kinda mixed up here, but the point is, it HAS been a long time. In the fifties, maybe? I have enjoyed sharing stages, campgrounds, Northern Lights, jokes, shin-kickings (Sara Cleveland at Fox Hollow),midnight harmonizing...all manner of great-memory things. Remember once when you introduced me as, "And here comes Jean Ritchie, who's gonna play dull-some-more!!!" Ay, if you're going to get a new heart, I guess I'll have to forgive you for that. And also throw my love and good wishes into this big pot we're all beginning to stir, and hope to be able to be there if you ever need me.
Love and blessings,    Jean

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 12:46 PM

Mary - check this site out

We've just heard from Mark Ross who tells us that Utah would be happy if a benefit was arranged for him or to receive contributions.

Anyone got any thoughts on where, when, how?

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: SINSULL
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 12:10 PM

Deckman,
Don't you mean "Klaatu Verrada Niktu"?

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 12:09 PM

IF it must come to that, may he have as much success as Ferrara and be here a good long while cum new heart! With thanks to whatever donor there may be.

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Medical Update (2008)
From: Deckman
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 11:54 AM

Bruce, "Mina Raakastaan Sinua"!