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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 7, 2024)
August 7, 2024 Page 7 Portland Musicians ‘Mess with Texas’ for a Cause Continued from Page 3 and guitarist for seminal psychedelic Port- land rock band Go Fever, among many other musical collaborations. “I want the world to know that I’m not quitting but it’s been extremely difficult to beat back the fear of death, the battle of GVHD, and economic insecurity for this year-and-a-half,” said Hilsmeir. “I have this feeling deep inside that my sto- ry is not over. With the grace of my com- munity, loved ones, oncologists and dear friends, I continue to believe in miracles. The blankets of love and support have made all the difference in this ongoing, arduous journey.” Fortunately, since day one of his fight for life, Hilsmeier has had the local mu- sic community in his corner. His surro- gate family of friends, bandmates and colleagues have raised the funds needed to cover his mortgage, medical and life expenses thus far. Those financial stress- es have remained constant as he has struggled to stay in his Cully fixer-upper home and keep up with the costs of life and cancer. “I went to the pharmacy one day to face another unwanted surprise. One bot- tle of medicine for GVHD cost $6,000. Breakout newcomers TV Viking Through a patchwork of grants and gen- erosity from this community, I keep dig- ging to afford my care, stay in my home and thrive,” he said. A benefit concert will be held in Hils- meier’s honor at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 at The Showdown, 1195 S.E. Powell Blvd., featuring Portland rock legends Federale, Danava and breakout newcomers TV Vi- king, with DJ Stone Bunny on the turnta- bles. Organizers are requesting a $30 min- imum donation, or more if you can spare it. Tickets on sale now: https://www.tick- etweb.com/event/a-mystery-guest-with- danava-the-showdown-tickets/13738043 A GoFundMe for Hilsmeier has been set up. Please consider contributing so Hilsmeier can focus his full energies on healing and regaining his strength while facing new health complications. A Cultural Celebration Continued from Front This year Hairston and the group have won 6 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, a Billboard Music Award, and an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award. JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise were also nominated for a 2018 GRAMMY for Best Gospel Per- formance/Song. Youthful Praise has performed on several national platforms in including, Good Morning America, the McDon- ald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, T.D. Jakes’ MegaFest, and Essence Mu- sic Festival to name a few. Currently, Hairston is co-headlining the 2018 McDonald's Inspiration Cel- ebration Gospel Tour. He also has just launched a new syndicated radio show, Youthful Praise with JJ Hairston, and he is preparing for the summer 2018 publication of his new book, "Amazing Love," with his wife, Trina. JJ Hairston is the new CEO and founder of Jamestown Music. This new label is exclusively distributed by Nash- ville-based Entertainment One. Hair- ston’s goal is to continue to develop mu- sic through this new venture that can be used as a tool for audiences everywhere to develop their personal relationship with God.
