Depressing news from the Austin Chronicle this week:
Alejandro Escovedo is having problems with hepatitis C, a deadly,
still-incurable ailment that continues cropping up in musicians and revelers
of an era where decadence had few tangible consequences.
"He's doing OK," affirms friend and sometime guitarist/guitar tech Alan
Durham. "It depends on the day. If it's a treatment day, then it's really,
really bad." Durham notes Escovedo was well enough to drive into Austin
Monday to pick up his kids, but also that, "I talked to him a couple of
times last week and he could barely speak."
Escovedo, who was hospitalized in April following a performance in Tempe,
Ariz., has canceled all shows until next March, including a scheduled
appearance at September's Austin City Limits Music Festival. "He's doing
what [doctors] tell him to do," says Durham, adding Escovedo remains
optimistic because "he's found some people that are very positive they can
help him."
Help is also required in coming up with the "major money" necessary for
treatment, and to that end, the Continental Club is hosting benefits for
Escovedo Wednesday and Thursday.
Booked for Wednesday are Sin Pelo (featuring Escovedo bassist Andrew
Duplantis), Gary Clark Jr., Jon Dee Graham, Beaver Nelson, and the Gourds'
Kevin Russell and friends.
Taking the stage Thursday are the Real Heroes, Damnations, Li'l Cap'n
Travis, Miles Zuniga's non-Fastball new band, and Davíd Garza.
Cover is $15 both nights, with a jar for additional donations at the door.
Bloodshot Records is also organizing a separate benefit in Chicago, and
Durham says further contributions can be sent to Escovedo care of manager
Heinz Geissler at the Texas Music Group, 805 West Ave. #2, Austin, 78701.
