Jack Rentfro: Knox rocks for "Detroit" Dave
Funds collected at the concert at the “Detroit Dave Benefit” at the World Grotto on Market Square will defray costs incurred during uninsured heart surgery for “Detroit” Dave Meer, one of the hardest-workin’ guitarists in Knoxville. The show, organized by Meer bandmate Micheal Crawley, pulls together musicians associated with Meer since he moved to Knoxville a quarter a century ago from his namesake hometown.
In the decade and a half since Meer decided to plant stakes in Knoxville, where his parents had moved to open a printing business, the guitar-slinger has performed with a wide cross-section of local bands. From his original jams with Chico Crawford and Johnny Coleman in Chico and the Men, Meer hooked up with a succession of groups that helped bring on the brilliant musical era that struck Knoxville in the early ‘80s. Over the years, Meer was serially—if not simultaneously—involved with The Blues Merchants, Nairobi Trio, Bluefish, The Kim Baxter Band (Meer was in at least three bands fronted by songstress Kim Baxter), Crawdaddy, and The Fabulous Crowns. Meer at present is on the injured reserve roster with Michael Crawley (blues harpist extraordinaire and leader of both Crawdaddy and the MacDaddies) and the Corner Lounge’s Wednesday night house blues band with club owner and longtime associate, veteran drummer, Ed Corts. Meer colleagues in these bands include Hector Qirko, Jim Williams, Steve Brown, Jimmy Ladd, Roger Jones, Scott Campbell, Timothy Corts, Barbara Hawley, Kent McKimm, Michael “Bones” Allen, Ben Maney, Jason Dickerson, Mike Spirko and Rick Wolfe.
Many of these same musicians will be performing at the Grotto’s Thursday evening festival. Some special treats to be announced are in store, but, the lineup thus far includes: Todd Steed and the Suns of Phere, The Labron Lazenby Trio, Scott Miller, Dave Landeo, Karen Reynolds, The Macdaddies, RB Morris and Hector Qirko, Matt Woods (who also designed the poster for the event), Tall Paul and The Bearded. Also slated is a special reunion of Crawdaddy, with the four original members: Rick Wolfe on bass; Steve Brown on drums; Michael Crawley and “Detroit” Dave himself, hopefully.
“All proceeds go to help Detroit Dave with medical bills and daily living expenses. Since Dave's been laid off recently, and is uninsured, every little bit helps,” said organizer Michael Crawley.
Showtime is 7-ish p.m. Donations of $5 or more will be sought at the door. The World Grotto is located at 16 Market Square; phone (865) 226-2962.
Poster by Matt Woods
Comments
I am digging the craziness already and I do not even own a shovel!
Posted by: Jawaharlal O'Riley | March 26, 2007 06:00 PM
This will be an incredible show for such an important cause..God knows Dave's important to us..This is quite a special thing..
Posted by: Ben maney | March 26, 2007 07:28 PM
Ya'll may remember me by Angel I sang in the bands Loretta Mink and Nimbus on the strip back in the 70's When Fatback(Russell Smith)Rich Mountain Tower and Sailin Shoes and Loretta Mink Played Tyson Park.I hooked up with Dave when he first camed to Knoxville and played Harp on stage with them when Johnny was still alive.Dave and I have been thru a lot and I wish him well.I hope to see you all soon.Love Walker(Angel)
Posted by: Walker | March 27, 2007 06:05 PM
Walker! Dave would love to see ya. Don't you live in our neighborhood???
Posted by: Michele | March 28, 2007 03:06 PM