National fund raiser to help provide “home away from home” for military families

On the last Saturday of January, places like Baghdad, Chapel Hill, N.C., Birmingham, Ala., Tucson, Ariz. and — Birchdale, Minn. — will be united with one goal.

On Jan. 31, these locations will be the scenes of a united national acoustic jam fund raiser event, held in support of the Fisher House Foundation. Fisher House provides a “home away from home” for the military families of patients who are receiving medical care at major VA medical centers.

Beginning at 2 p.m. in Birchdale, an Acoustic Marathon Bluegrass Music Jam will include anyone who wants to play, or listen. The celebratory gathering (guests are asked to bring their own bottle) will continue as long as participants are willing to play. Chili by the bowl will be offered by Buzz Hultman. Everyone is welcome and those interested in performing should contact Judith Nelson and Soren Oleson at 218-634-2800.

The event was started by author John Santa, five years ago in Chapel Hill, N.C. and his music cohorts in Iraq. The “Baghdad Bad Boys” bluegrass gang will be jamming at Camp Victory in Iraq at the same time as area jammers and listeners gather in Birchdale.

Santa circulates this message about the services of Fisher House Foundation: “This wonderful group provides lodging for the families of our military who have been wounded and are back in the states receiving medical attention. What an amazing group!”

All free will offerings from the public will be sent to the Minnesota Fisher House. Those who attend are also welcome to bring snacks and desserts.

John Santa is the author of the book “Bluegrass is My Second Language: A Year in the Life of an Accidental Bluegrass Musician.” More information about his relationship with the soldier musicians in Iraq for whom he wrote the song “The Baghdad Bad Boys”, is available at www.blugrassbook.com.

More information on the Birchdale jam session can be found at www.sloughgrass.com.