Jon Glik, 56, one of bluegrass music’s top fiddlers, is fit enough able to play again after a year where he almost died, according to a report on Baltimore’s Eyewitness News a few days ago.

Regular readers will recall our previous posting of a story regarding his very serious illness. Glik had been suffering for a long time with liver failure, during which time he was in pain almost all the time and was unable to use his hands. Evidently, he was unable to play music during that time.

Glik had been a member of Del McCoury’s Dixie Pals and worked with David Grisman and Frank Wakefield. He was a fixture on the Baltimore/Washington bluegrass scene since the 1970s.

Musicians from across the country have participated in several benefit shows to raise money to help meet considerable medical costs. As is common with many bluegrass musicians, Glik didn’t have any medical insurance. One gathering took place in Upperco, Maryland, in October to help raise money for Glik and to boost his spirits.

Glik comments …..

“I heard from friends I hadn’t heard from in 20 or 30 years. Their support helped me have a positive attitude.”

Thankfully, a liver became available and transplant surgery was performed November 18 at the University Of Maryland Medical Center. Transplant surgeon Dr Luis Campos was frank about Glik’s condition and his prospects ….

“Without the new liver, I doubt if Jon would have lived till the new year.” (more…)

Jon Glik’s fiddle playing can be heard on some of my favorite records. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a huge Del McCoury fan. Don’t Stop The Music may be my all time favorite McCoury album, and Glik’s fiddle plays an important roll in the band’s sound on that recording.

Over the years Jon has recorded with a number of other bluegrass legends including David Grisman, Frank Wakefield, Peter Rowan, the Forbes Family, Dave Evans, Paul Adkins, Walter Hensley, Bob and Danny Paisley, and more.

Sadly, Jon is now in the hospital due to liver failure. This makes the third time this year he has been hospitalized. Like many other musicians, Jon does not health insurance and is faced with rising medial bills. In the midst of this, he is in need of a liver transplant if he is to survive.

The bluegrass community is coming together in an effort to assist this beloved fiddle player. A fund has been started to raise money for the transplant and to help offset his medical expenses.

Several things are being done to raise money for the fund.

A benefit concert is being held on Friday, October 19, from 7:00-11:00 PM. The concert takes place at The Arcadia Fire Hall, in Arcadia, MD. Admission is $35 at the door. Performers include The Del McCoury Band, David Grisman, David Grier, and The Forbes Family.

Eastman Strings has kindly donated a beautiful 904 D Mandolin to be raffled off at the concert, with all proceeds going directly to Jon’s medical fund.

James Reams, Walter Hensley & The Barons of Bluegrass are donating all proceeds (during the month of October) from the sale of the CD Wild Card, featuring Jon Glik on fiddle, to Jon’s medical fund. To order the CD, they ask that you mail a check for $15, made out to Jon Glik Medical Fund, to Mountain Redbird Music, 565 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215. They ask that you also include $1 in cash or postage stamps to cover shipping costs.

You may also contribute directly to the fund by sending a check to Jon’s sister, Barbara Glik. Again, the check should be made out to Jon Glik Medical Fund, and mailed to:

Barbara Glik
P.O. Box 4005
Annapolis, MD 21403

Let’s all pull together and help one of our own in his time of need.