Chicago, IL--Gearing up for a benefit for the film that will take place in my hometown of Bloomington, IN. Because this film is about a musician, we are looking at clearing the rights to as many as 25 songs. So, it's time to get back to raising a little money.

The benefit is being held at the Cellar Lounge in Bloomington, IN at 123 S. Walnut St. on May 26 at 9pm. We are going to preview a demo reel of footage from the film at the benefit. We will be showing it at 9pm and also again closer to 11pm. I'm really fortunate that some good bands have volunteered their services. The lineup includes Crooked County, Kim Chee, Janssen Jones and the Bloomingtones, and Jason Fickel. There will also be a raffle and yodeling contest.

We recently found 22 soundless seconds of Jimmy on the Louisiana Hayride in 1958, a minute or so of him at New River Ranch in Maryland in 1961, and are waiting to view some footage of Jimmy on the Del Reeves show and Wilburn Brothers show respectively. We also need to raise money to clear the rights to this footage.

Talked to Jimmy on the phone this morning. He had already been out running his dogs. He will be interviewed on the local radio station in Bloomington this week. The interview will run Friday morning and again on the bluegrass show on Saturday. The station is WFHB @ 91.3 FM.

Bloomington, IN May 27, 2001

The benefit was a success. Raised close to $2,000. We screened an 11 minute trailer of the film and got a great response. Also got an excellent article in the Bloomington Paper and mention in a number of local independent weeklies.

Much thanks to the Cellar Lounge and all the bands that played. My buddy Travis Olsson played a huge part in pulling off this event. Also many thanks to Jean Bauer who designed the poster that was used to promote the show.