Tony Kakaris Archives - Bluegrass Today

Friends and bluegrass lovers in southwestern Ohio got together over this past weekend in honor of Tony Kakaris, bass player with Nightflyer, and a well-known personality in the music scene thereabouts. He is undergoing treatment now for a difficult cancer, multiple myeloma or bone marrow cancer, which reached an advanced stage before being properly diagnosed because it was believed that pain he was suffering was related to kidney stones.

Though Tony has stepped aside from the band for now, he was able to attend the concert and even joined them for their final song. Event organizer Lyn Hayes tells us that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he hobbled to the stage, passed off his cane, and grabbed the bass.

It is estimated that between 300-500 people attended on Saturday in Monroe, OH, and that more than $12,000 was raised to assist Tony and his wife, Marsha, with mounting expenses. In addition to direct donations at the door, close to 100 items had been donated for raffle and auction sale during the day, plus food items that were sold while music was played on stage. Seven different bands donated their time to entertain, and the mood overall is reported to have been positive and upbeat.

Here’s video of the big moment when Kakaris made his way to the stage, to the delight of all in attendance.

We share the best wishes of everyone at the concert for Tony’s complete recovering. Anyone called to make a donation can do so on the GoFundMe page set up for his medical expenses.

Ohio bluegrass artists are coming together to promote TonyPalooza, a benefit concert for Tony Kakaris, bass player with Nightflyer. Tony is undergoing treatment now for multiple myeloma, a stage 4 cancer whose diagnosis had been delayed by a belief that his severe pain last fall was caused by kidney stones.

Bluegrass folks in the central US have known Tony for many years. He is an avid jammer at festivals in the region, particularly Bean Blossom, where he could regularly be seen playing banjo, mandolin, or bass. He has always been quick to jump in and help out when a band is short a member, and has made many friends along the circuit.

Now he is in need covering the uninsured costs of his chemo and radiation therapy, and the lost wages associated with the effects of the procedures. Kakaris reports being exhausted most of the time, with about 2 months of the regimen still to go.

Obviously, family and friends are praying for success of this treatment, since the cancer was discovered so late in its process. Tony had been suffering from kidney stones, known to cause intense pain, but when they had been taken care of, the pain persisted. Further testing revealed 3 broken vertebrae, and the existence of the cancer in his bone marrow. Fortunately, his numbers are said to be trending in a positive direction, but he and his wife are facing mounting expesnes.

So, we have TonyPalooza, scheduled for April 6 from noon to 8:00 p.m. at the Monroe Church of the Nazarene in Monroe, OH. Several prominent Ohio bands have signed on to perform, with Nightflyer, The Clay Hess Band, and New Country Grass among them. Popular Bluegrass In The Valley radio hosts Rita Small and Tim Strong will serve as masters of ceremony, and raffles and auctions will be conducted throughout the day.

Donations in any size will be accepted as an admission fee, with all proceeds (including food sales) going to Tony’s medical fund.

All sorts of items have been donated for the auctions, including musical instruments and festival passes donated by his many friends in the business.

A GoFundMe page has also been established for those who might like to make a donation, but will not be able to attend the concert. No matter how small, every little bit helps, and is greatly appreciated.

Get well soon, Tony!

Tag: Tony Kakaris

TonyPalooza benefit in Ohio a big success

Benefit concert for Tony Kakaris of Nightflyer