[Harp-L] Re: Reach...the DVD idea. Pat Ramsey, Bob Meehan Harp too, and pay pa

["M. N." <mnessmith@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jason wrote:
"People everywhere are helping Pat Ramsey but it takes a lot of money to buy 
a new house,van and musical gear.!!!! ... "

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My hat's off to Bob Meehan for his donation of a harp/auction. I have one of 
Bob's customs and can attest to his skill -- I'm sure that's an amazing 
harp.

My hat's off too to Jason. The first time Jason and I ever met, at Ray's 
Downtown Blues in West Palm Beach, Fla., back in 99 ('98?), we struck up a 
conversation about harp players we dug and it wasn't long before we learned 
that we were each huge fans of Pat Ramsey. I later learned how much Pat has 
meant to Jason as a mentor and friend so I wasn't a bit surprised by Jason's 
pleas for help. Guys, I want to give this a nudge. Like Jason said, Pat is 
going to need a LOT of assistance to get back on his feet thanks to Katrina. 
Most of us are sitting on gear we don't use (who really NEEDS 43 harp mics 
and 23 amps!?). I want to urge all of you to consider either donating some 
harps and gear to Pat -- afterall this is not a hobby for the man, it's how 
he pays the bills -- or auctioning off some of your own surplus stuff and 
donating the proceeds of the sale.
But we oughta think big too. Someone out there reading this just might have 
an old car or van to donate. What about a trailer? -- let's put the band 
back out on the road working ASAP. Those of you who are in a local blues 
society, spread the word and consider organizing a fund raiser. Spread the 
word to the other e-lists you frequent (I know, I know, Harp-L's the ONLY 
list! :-) If anyone has an in with Johnny Winter's "people," pressure them 
to get Pat fronting Johnny's band more frequently rather than pinch-hitting 
for Montgomery.
Come on, let's help one of our own. Pat's been busting his ass in this 
business for more than 25 years and deserves our help. [And Pat, if you're 
reading this, I hope you know how much joy you've brought to your fans over 
the years ..... now it's our turn.]
MN