As many people know, music is a hugely comforting salve to both those who are living normal lives, as well as those whose lives have been deeply affected by cancer. For the latter, there’s arguably no organization that has brought more musical joy and comfort to their troubled and stressful world than Cancer Can Rock, whom Z-TV’s Living On Music pays tribute to this Monday night at 7pm.
Joining three-time Emmy-winning host Steve Houk is Cancer Can Rock founder and music producer Jim Ebert, who years ago survived brain cancer and helped co-found CCR to give musicians of any level a chance to record a song in a high-end recording session environment accompanied by some of the region’s most stellar session musicians, with the entire experience recorded on video, for them and their family to have forever.
“People come in and sometimes they are a little intimidated,” said Ebert, who also runs his own music production company Ebert Audio, has worked with platinum-selling artists for years, and even co-produced an album up for a Washington Area Music Award this year. “One person that has passed away came in and said, ‘I thought this was gonna be just you in your basement.’ I said no dude, this is full-tilt: full video production, full audio track. And it’s all you.”
Featured on the show are musicians who have survived their battle as well as those who have not. One is cancer survivor Jack Bond, a Maryland-based singer/songwriter whose song “That’s What I’m Here For” was chosen years ago as the title track on an album by legendary musician Roy Buchanan, and who performs two songs on the program. Bond is truly grateful to CCR for providing him with some much-needed joy during a majorly stressful time. “I have to thank Jim so much for having me in the studio a couple of years ago.” Bond said, “That was just one of the highlights of my musical career. It was fabulous, and Jim’s organization is amazing.”
Other CCR musicians who are also being honored are Molly Oldham, who continues to battle the disease after two brain surgeries, and according to Ebert, whose effervescence and joyful demeanor are palpable. Rounding out this memorable tribute are homages paid to two revered and respected CCR musicians who have passed away, singer Stefanie Keys, who among others sang with Big Brother and the Holding Company, and guitarist/vocalist Stuart Jewell, who was a beloved local fixture at places like Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon VA and elsewhere. The show will feature these talented musicians’ stellar Cancer Can Rock video performances in their entirety, as well as touching reminiscences about them.
“When you donate to us, you really see a result,” Ebert emphasizes. “You can go right on and watch what your donation does. It’s one person at a time, but yes, you’re helping.”
To donate to Cancer Can Rock, go to cancercanrock.org/donate.
