Kansas Acoustic Arts Association

The last few months have hit hard with so many of our local musicians and friends battling illness and cancer. Mark Horton, Rik Stevenson, Kirk Rundstrom, and Clif Major are all fighting hard and doing well under the circumstances. Keep on sending all the good karma and prayers you can in their directions.
News like this has a way of making us all feel vulnerable- so we jump on the wagon and do what we can to help. There have been several fundraisers for Kirk Rundstrom, Mark Horton and one upcoming for Clif Major. You know every little bit helps.
The month of April was designated PAT Fund month. The Pat Fund has helped many local musicians who have found themselves with emergency needs. But the well does get low. All musicians were encouraged to “Give it up for the PAT Fund” through the month of April by donating their gig money for one night.
The PAT Fund ( Performers Assistance Trust) is administrated through the Wichita Blues Society but overseen by a committee of musicians and fans from every genre of the music community.
KAAA held a PAT fundraiser April 7 at the Artichoke—“Divas on Acoustics” featuring Carrie Cooley, Linda Cunningham and Dee Dunlap, and the Prairie Hens. Many thanks to Barney Byard for providing sound for this event—great job! Not a big crowd, but big fun and we raised $200. KAAA also made a $500 contribution to the fund.
Things happen and people have needs all year round so I say why limit this to the month of April? If we all gave up one gig a month then we may be assured that if and when the time comes that we have an emergency need we have some place to turn to.
Make a tip jar to put out when you are doing a street performance. ( some ladies I know took in $73 busking during the Final Friday) We have flyers available that explain what the PAT Fund is all about—to get some flyers contact Dulcie Guinty or Ann Keefer.
So I challenge you all to “Give it up for the PAT Fund” regularly. Musicians helping musicians—that’s what it’s all about. You never know when you may be the one who needs a helping hand. You can be the helping hand ------ behind the strings!