It was this past New Year's Eve when Terrill Lee Blankley (aka "Terry B") walked into the hospital for a visit to remember. At only 63 years of age, he didn't really want to hear he'd been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Yet attitude can be everything -Terry took whatever they could throw at him and returned home to his family as soon as they'd let him go. But for a working musician, this wreaks havoc with your ability to book shows and play, let alone your lifestyle. It was then that his friends rallied around him and, thanks to Howard Ross, Garth Bourne, the Durham Region Music Society, Chicago's Diner and a serious collection of local musicians, the Terry B Benefit Concert was born, in an effort to show Terry the community's support and to raise a few dollars to help out a fellow musician who's been unable to work since the treatments began.

3 of these gentleman are the brass behind the Durham Region Music Society
and Terry - who helped start the Society was the Treasurer

Howard and Garth put plans into motion and the word went out to Terry's fans, friends and the greater musical fraternity to head down to Chicago's last Sunday for a memorable afternoon of tribute to Terry and some serious musical entertainment from 2:30 - 7pm. The acts got underway with country/blues/roots act Saddle Blue (featuring Garth Bourne, Mike Tabares, Matt Travers and Phil Manning, guesting) followed by Terry B fan Jack de Keyzer, backed by Frank Zochodne and friends. Sue Latimer played a full set, backed on electric guitar by Mike Tabares. The Andy Earle Band followed - impressively - and headliner George Olliver ripped off the roof, as promised. A vast cast of caring players came and went: Lance Anderson, Johnny Max, Nic Succi, Frank Woodcock, Bruce Gorrie, Steve Bekessy, Brent Eikhard, Buster Fykes, Danny Silver, John Meydam, Joe Lambert, Little Bobby, while the indefatigable Roxy Blanchard worked her tush off at the door.

All the while, Terry B sat off the main stage, holding court and greeting many well-wishers with a vicegrip handshake and a hearty smile. He was clearly touched and having a ball being the centre of attention as wife Lynn and family looked on. As I had to leave for a Toronto commitment, I left the reportage to Tony Sloggett, who followed with this review:

..the afternoon was going along very well with friends, musicians and longtime sidemen playing their hearts out  in support of Terry...and then, as if he could just not sit idly by any longer, Terry came and sat down  behind his beloved keyboards to join in with the 'band" for a few numbers...he was smiling and looking over the keyboards - as if it was an old friend from days gone by that had just been spotted from across the room. Terry took on a glow as a big old smile came over his face and, looking up to an extremely appreciative audience, he began to sing with his familiar, deep,  craggy voice , ..."Take a load off Fanny...take a load for free... take a load off Fanny"....and the crowd roared back ..".and put the load right on me"....Right there and then, I`d like to believe we helped Terry and his wonderful family shoulder the load  for a few moments...."

If a man is judged - not so much by the friends that he keeps, but by those who actually rise up to support him in a time of need, Terry B left the building with far more than the $3,000 raised on his behalf. Better still, those who pitched in to help - both musicians, fans and well-wishers alike - enjoyed basking in the same warm feeling that I'm certain Terry is still feeling today - and will continue to feel as he regains his strength and prepares to kicks the living hell out of the cancer currently interrupting his day job. He knows we're riding along with him in his quest. Hats off to Garth and Howard and all the players for this delightful way to spend a Sunday - and for the chance to help out one of Durham County's favourite sons.

Anyone wishing to help out Terry at this time, please do so by visiting his site at www.terryblankley.com and picking up some music! His latest, Invitation To The Blues (which features many of the people mentioned above) makes a great place to start.

Copyright 2009 - All photos by Eric Thom.