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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2008 > July > 31 > Entry
A Dear Jon (Dee) letter
Tammy Perez FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Jon Dee Graham-
I know things are hard physically for you, still hospitalized after your car accident Friday night, but you should know that the love poured freely Wednesday night- your night- at the Continental Club.
South Austin Jug Band and Dustin Welch and the House Band were the scheduled acts, with half the door going towards your medical expenses. But such impromptu acts as Reckless Kelly, who slayed on your song “Laredo” and received the Continental’s ultimate rave review, getting Clara the go-go dancing bartender to shimmy on Alejandro Escovedo’s “Castanets,” made the night special. A mostly-impromptu lovefest broke out.
Power slide trio Grady, who have the entertaining beatmistress Nina Singh on drums, admitted that they didn’t know how to play any of your songs on short notice, but they rocked as if possessed by your “Summerland” spirit. Kevin Welch played with son Dustin’s band (augmented by SAJB drummer Robb Kidd and Rob Hooper on percussion). Kacy Crowley waited to sing near the end, fiddler Warren Hood sat in on a few numbers and Ben Todd sang your song about Muhammad Ali.
It was a benefit without buildup, the way you would’ve liked it. The night was an eloquent, yet totally unpretentious, expression of what Austin is, when Austin is right. Get well soon, brother.
Comments
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By Rick
July 31, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
NYC here on W23rd St. next to the Chelsea Hotel ” keeping a good thought ” for Jon Dee Graham’s recovery….
By Michelle
August 24, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
What a perfect tribute. Wish I could have been there. We were at the concert in Dallas the night of the accident and did not hear about it until days later. Want Jon to get well soon. He is a fighter so if anyone can beat it he sure can! So glad Austin did what it does best for a true hero to so many. In my opinion one of the best singer/songwriters around. Thanks Austin!