Jazz-in for George, a Medical Benefit Concert

photograph by Jen Fariello

Back in the 60's when large groups of people came and sat down together in public to gather attention and make things happen, it was called a "sit-in".  So when George Melvin's friends and music community looked to find a way to help him make it through some serious medical needs, it only seemed fitting to hold a "Jazz-In for George", because that's what everyone will be doing at Fry's Spring Beach Club on Saturday, November 7th from six in the evening until Midnight. Jazzin' for George!

George - a well-known and loved Charlottesville jazz, blues, classic pop and gospel musician - is currently facing some serious medical bills, in addition to needing to begin building a fund that would enable him to get a kidney transplant.  

His story is one of late-diagnosed Type II Diabetes that began revealing its damage to his body in 1994.  Even though the Melvins had been unable to afford health insurance coverage because of George's pre-existing diabetes, they were able to cover his increasing medical costs for nearly twelve years. 

Then in late 2005 he had to go on dialysis because the Diabetes had caused damage to his kidneys.  Even though Medicare immediately began 80% coverage of his medical costs because of End Stage Renal Disease, the costs that remain for uninsured individuals are heavy.  In addition, the weekly dialysis schedule affected his ability to maintain his usual heavy work schedule, or to travel any large distance for work.  Even so, the Melvins managed to keep most of the medical bills paid for two and a half more years. However, a little over two years after starting dialysis, sixteen months of unexpected and uncommon medical complications have made it impossible for the Melvins to manage the cost of George's medical care, much less plan to fund a kidney transplant.

photo by Martin PhillipsIronically, it appears that the one hope that he might have of gaining remission from a rare dialysis-related condition, in addition to the hope of regaining his earning potential, could in fact be that long-deferred kidney transplant.  And many members of the community are volunteering their time and talents to assure that all funds that will be raised on November 7 will be aimed toward making that happen.

We hope that all of George's large circle of friends, fans and admirers of his great music will want to help keep that music alive and well for a long time!  Join us, or - if you're otherwise occupied on this exciting evening - feel free to contribute via PayPal or with a check payable to George Melvin, which may be mailed to:

George Melvin: Medical Benefit
P. O. Box 5582
Charlottesville, VA, 22905