We posted last month about the benefit concert for Eddie & Martha Adcock, held to help them overcome the financial difficulties they face as a result of Eddie’s medical issues this past year. Scott Street, an attorney in Richmond, VA – and a fine banjo picker as well – sent along this report of the concert along with a number of photos.

The October 25th benefit show for Eddie and Martha Adcock at Nashville’s Station Inn was a great success. The packed audience at the Station Inn was treated to the sounds of some of the finest in Bluegrass, who donated their services (and also their own funds) to help Eddie and Martha through some difficult times following Eddie’s successful brain surgery last August.

The Nashville Bluegrass Band was followed by Missy Raines and the New Hip. Then Jerry Douglas told how his father’s first experience hearing the Country Gentlemen with Eddie Adcock prompted his father to buy every Country Gentlemen record he could find, which Jerry listened to constantly for the next year. Jerry was joined by Russ Barenberg on guitar for some hauntingly beautiful tunes.

Next the Whites with dad Buck and daughters Cheryl and Sharon demonstrated family harmony at its best. Jerry Douglas joined with surprise guest Ricky Skaggs to round out the Whites’ portion of the show. Jesse McReynolds and his family showed that the Virginia Boys sound is alive and well. Jesse concluded his set with El Cumbanchero, again confirming that his picking is as fast (or faster) and clean as ever — an amazing performance.

Harley Allen sang several of his own songs, showing all why he is one of the world’s best songwriters. He was ably assisted by the Infamous Stringdusters’ Andy Hall on Dobro, David Harvey on mandolin, and Barry Crabtree on banjo. Speaking of songwriters, Dixie and Tom T. Hall were in the audience. Others attending to support Eddie and Martha included Sonny Osborne, Terry Eldridge, Roland White, David Sebring, and many other notable Nashville area musicians.

Sam Jackson handled the emcee duties and “Supe” Granda from St. Louis delivered several of his original songs. The climax was when Eddie Adcock himself took the stage with former II Generation bandmate Gene Johnson (now of Diamond Rio), Missy Raines, and Don Wayne Reno. After a few moments of Eddie’s picking, there was no doubt that his surgery had been a success, and his trademark baritone voice proved as smooth as ever.

It was a magical evening where the excellence of the music mixed with the atmosphere of love and respect, and once again our Bluegrass community stepped up to assist one of our own.

If you would like to add your contribution to assist Eddie and Martha, you may send a contribution to:

Martha Adcock
P.O. Box 219
Lebanon, TN 37088

One thing that has always warmed my heart about bluegrass people is how willing we are to take care of our own. Though it is sometimes sad to see how often they occur, it is wonderful to see musicians and fans come together to support members of our extended bluegrass family when such a need arises.

Another opportunity comes up this weekend, when the Friends of Eddie & Martha Adcock host a benefit concert on Sunday (10/25) for these longtime bluegrass troopers at Nashville’s storied Station Inn.

Eddie has been performing on banjo since the early 1950s, including stints with Bill Monroe and (most memorably) with The Country Gentlemen in the ’60s. After leaving that group, he and Martha fronted a number of acts (IInd Generation and Talk Of The Town) before settling in to performing as a duo, which they have done for many years.

The Bluegrass Blog posted several times last year about Eddie’s pioneering deep brain surgery to correct a disabling hand tremor. Prior to the surgery, he was unable to play the banjo for the shaking in his hands, but since the implantation of electrical leads in his brain, he is again able to pick – and play his trade.

Though the surgery has been an amazing success, its outcome wasn’t certain when it was scheduled in 2008. The Adcocks were unwilling to book shows until Eddie’s capability to perform was demonstrated, and as a result, they have been unable to work for the past 18 months. Sunday’s concert is designed to raise some cash to assist them financially, and to remind promoters that Eddie & Martha are back, and looking forward to performing regularly in 2010 and beyond.

The show will feature performances by The Whites, Jerry Douglas, Gene Johnson, Jesse McReynolds, Don Wayne Reno, Randy Waller, The Harley Allen Band, Missy Raines & The New Hip and many others. Music begins at 7:00 p.m. and a donation of $20 is requested, though larger donations are most welcome.

Those who are unable to attend can send a contribution, payable to:

Not only have the Adcocks dedicated their lives to bluegrass music, their personal generosity is well known to a great many friends all over the world. Their annual bluegrass Benefit For The Homeless is a Nashville tradition, one which will be continued by Eddie & Martha.

Hat’s off to Terry Comer, the “Bluegrass dentist” of Franklin, TN and his assistant Patty Mitchell who have arranged the 10/25 show, the many artists who are donating their time, and the fans and friends who will support the Adcocks through this venture.

On behalf of The Bluegrass Blog, we ask any of our readers who are in a position to do so, to please consider making a contribution of your own.