08:00 PM

Janie Harris Benefit Concert at the Egyptian, Boise

FRIENDS OF JANIE HARRIS STAGE CANCER SURVIVOR BENEFIT CONCERT

BOISE, Idaho (Aug. 5, 2009) -- The cancer Janie Harris battled and ultimately survived not only took a physical toll, but a devastating financial one, as well. The widow of renowned jazz pianist Gene Harris is facing hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt because her health insurance company ruled her cancer a pre-existing condition and refused to pay. Consequently, numerous friends of hers are staging the Janie Harris Cancer Survivor Benefit Concert at 8 p.m. Sat. Aug. 22 at the Egyptian Theater at 700 W. Main St. in downtown Boise.

Organized by pianist Paul Tillotson, who grew up under the tutelage of Harris' late husband, the concert is headlined by the protégé's trio, which features Jim Kassis on drums and Rod Wray on bass. Other musicians on the bill include Cherie Buckner, Billy Mitchell, Harris Lawless, Phil Batt, John Jones, The New Trio+, and Frim Fram Fellas, among others.

A cash-donation auction will be held midway through the concert with auctioneer Larry Flynn presiding. All proceeds from the auction and concert ticket sales will go to Harris. In addition, donations can be made directly to her and sent to Janie Harris, 5699 Fortress Ct., Boise, ID 83703.

"Janie has brought so much to the Treasure Valley with her generous support of live music," Tillotson says. "In her time of need it is only fitting that our community rally to her side to help her through her recovery. I'm honored to be a part of this beautiful effort and excited about the fantastic show we've got in store for everyone."

Tickets for the Aug. 22 concert cost $40 each are available in advance by calling The Egyptian Theater at 208.387.1273.

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CONTACT:
Tony Harrison, COMMposition@gmail.com, 208.880.9814
Paul Tillotson, paul@paultillotson.com, 917.334.2758
Larry Flynn, larry@larryflynn.net, 208.861.7777