Jake Schepps on the mend

Jake Schepps - photo by Andy KhoA month ago we shared some frightening news about Colorado banjoist Jake Schepps, and the terrible auto accident he was in while returning home from RockyGrass in July. He spent a week in the hospital and had to undergo surgery, but Jake tells us that his recovery is well underway and that he is thankful for the care he has received, and the concern of everyone in his musical family.

Despite the severity of the accident, he says that there was no damage to his arms or hands.

“I suffered mostly internal injuries, and I had surgery soon after the accident. They removed about 2 feet of my small intestines. I spent 3 days in the ICU, then 4 more in the regular hospital. I am fortunate to have only suffered a few cracked ribs but no other broken bones.

I am now just over 1 month post-accident, and I am certainly progressing every day. Yet some days feel like two steps forward, one step back. My energy is far from 100% at this point, and I spend a lot of time horizontal. Yet I find time to play banjo most every day.

The outpouring of love and support from our local Boulder community and the string band community at large has been phenomenal and truly heart warming. My family and I are endlessly grateful for that.”

All touring artists share a fear of such incidents, given the many hours spent behind the wheel, but Jake is looking forward to getting back on the road, and pursuing his passion for playing modern music on the banjo.

“I did have to cancel a few gigs, but I am planning on being at IBMA this year. Also I have a short tour planned in November in California with a new trio I am playing with, which includes the legendary guitarist Scott Nygaard and fiddler extraordinaire Alisa Rose.

Also I am actively planning the Jake Schepps Quintet’s CD release tour for January and February, celebrating the release of Entwined, an album of all commissions from classical composers, as well as Matt Flinner. We did cut a few other tunes on the sessions, and here is a free download of Come Along Jody for those interested.”

Keep sending those good vibes towards Boulder, and we’ll all look forward to seeing Jake at World of Bluegrass.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.