Bob Kinney Austin Music & More

Thanks to You Folks who Helped Ted Branson

He received a new liver on Oct 14 in 2011 &

Returned to his KOOP Radio Show

“Under the X in Texas”

in January 2012

Tuesdays 9 to 11am

koop.org web & 91.7 fm

Austin (aka Hornsby) Texas

Second Medical Fundraiser for Ted Branson May 22

The Central Texas Bluegrass Community is staging a show at Artz Rib House Sunday, May 22 from 3 to 9pm, to help KOOP DJ and veteran music promoter Ted Branson receive a liver transplant.

Twelve Bluegrass groups (listed below) will play half-hour sets at the legendary BBQ place at 2330 South Lamar.  Anyone wishing to donate an item for a silent auction during the show may contact Linda Branson at 791.0228.

The Austin Songwriters Group organized the first benefit to Ted at the Merle Haggard Birthday show at Threadgill’s on April 6. First blog post about that show is at the end of this blog post.

The Threadgill’s event garnered $9,000 – about one quarter of the money needed for the liver transplant and the necessary post-operation medications. Doctors found a cancer tumor in Ted’s liver too large to remove. A recent examination found evidence of another forming.

Medicare will cover the liver replacement costs but not six months of post-transplant medications ($4,000 a month) and then $300 a month for life after that. Ted is on the waiting list for a new liver but needs all the medication money in hand before the transplant can take place.

Ted Branson is the knowledgeable DJ of two KOOP Radio Shows (91.7fm)  – the eclectic Tuesday morning show  “Under the X in Texas” and in rotation on Sunday mornings  —  “Strictly Bluegrass.” Eddie Collins, of the Central Texas Bluegrass Association, scheduled the bands and will do the show’s sound. He and KOOP Radio DJ Singin’ Pickin’ Professor Rod Moag will co-emcee the show.

Linda Branson photo

The show lineup is –

Piney Grove Ramblers (3:00)
Air Cargo. (3:30)
Atomic Duo (4:00)
The Siekers (4:30)

Christy and the Plowboys (5:00)
The Steelhead Stringband (5:30)
Brennen Leigh (6:00)

The Carper Family (6:30)
Hem and Haw (7:00)

Ruby Jane and *Special Guests (7:30)
Billy Bright Trio (8:00)
MilkDrive (8:30)

Talia Sekons (The Lost Pines), Shaidri Alrich and Dayna Wills (yes – she is Bob Wills’ sister Helen’s kid) are among the other guest vocalists and pickers.

Can’t make it to the May 22 show?

Donate online via PayPal on the Chip In website

Prefer to support Ted with a cash or check donation?

Make check payable to Ted Branson Medical Account and mail to

Prosperity Bank

1610 West North Loop Blvd
Austin, Texas 78756

End of  May 22 Ted Branson Support Bluegrass Show Blog Post

__________________________________________

First Blog Post about April 6 Ted Branson Support Show

Friends of Ted Branson raise 25% of medical money he needs during Annual Merle Haggard Birthday Party at Threadgill’s April 6

I have listened to Ted Branson on KOOP Radio shows for many years. His Tuesday morning “Under the X in Texas” is among KOOP’s – and Austin’s – best radio shows. His knowledge and love of many types of music is keen and heartfelt. I always learn something listening to each of his shows. If you regularly attend music shows in Austin, you’ve probably seen Ted in the audience – the big guy in a cowboy hat.

Coupled with pre-show donations, the Merle Haggard Birthday Party April 6 raised about $9,000 for Ted — about 25% of the $35,000 to $40,000 needed.

Lee Duffy, director of the non-profit Austin Songwriters Group, organized this year’s annual four-hour Hag Birthday Party on April 6 at Threadgill’s to help Ted receive a liver transplant and the necessary post-operation medications. Doctors found a cancer tumor in his liver too large to remove. They recently found another tumor.

Medicare will cover the liver costs but not six months of post transplant medications ($4,000 a month) and then $300 a month for life after that. Ted is on the waiting list for a new liver but needs all the medication money in hand before the transplant can take place.

A silent auction was held during the Branson & Merle Party at Threadgill’s South. Show cover was a suggested $10 donation – but many folks gave more.

Musicians performing Merle songs through the four-hour show ranged from Gurf Morlix, Redd Volkaert and Cindy Cashdollar to Elizabeth McQueen, Rod Moag (fellow KOOP DJ) and Floyd Domino.

Tax-deductible donations can be made online through the Chip In website via PayPal.

Prosperity Bank is handling the Ted’s medical account. Mail your check payable to Ted Branson Medical Fund to Prosperity Bank – 1610 West North Loop Blvd – Austin 78756. Cash donations can also be dropped off at that bank.

Find out more about Ted