Shortly after the conclusion of this past weekend’s SPBGMA convention in Nashville, The Grascals headed for Memphis with Randy Kohrs in tow. But it wasn’t for a show; they were on a mission of mercy.
Their destination was the the St. Jude Research Hospital, where they would present the proceeds from the annual The Musicians Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) festival that took place last summer in Columbus, OH. Each year, top bluegrass artists donate their time to perform at this event, held in memory of Mandy Adkins, who died from a childhood cancer in 2000. Her parents, Daryl Phyllis Adkins launched the festival in 2001, and have raised and donated nearly half a million dollars to St. Jude and the YMCA since that time.
The Grascals presented a check for $30,000 to the hospital, along with a matching pair of Takamine guitars, a right and left handed model. The Grascals’ own Jamie Johnson is a left handed guitar player. The band reported being humbled by the experience.
“We are very honored to have the opportunity to present the check to St. Jude’s and be a part of the Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Festival again this year. It is such a great event. We look forward to playing it each year.”
The 26th annual MACC festival will be held July 21-24, 2010 at the Hoover-Y Park in Columbus. Full details can be found online.
