Birchdale and Baghdad: Jams together?

Submitted by Journal Staff on January 22, 2009 - 10:00am.

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.

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!”