A cavalcade of musical friends is slated to perform during the Liverpalooza benefit for John Delworth at The 5 Spot. The long-time Nashville resident has been fighting a rare cancer called Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis for seven years. Having overcome a tumor on his brain stem and following years of chemotherapy, he now requires a liver transplant.
Delworth’s medical team believes that there is a very real possibility that the organ replacement could put the disease into remission. The money raised by the benefit will help offset the costs of the transplant and associated medical expenses.
Delworth and his wife, Dana, have long been fixtures in their beloved East Nashville community. It’s heartening to see such an outpouring of support from their musician friends. All we need to do is show up, enjoy the show, and make a small cover contribution. In addition to the show, each day has a unique silent auction. The $20 cover is cash at the door for each show, with no advance sales, and all proceeds go to supporting John Delworth’s medical care.
Contributions can also be made to support John Delworth’s medical care via Venmo
A former member of Lambchop, Thee Phantom 5ive, and El Foxtrot, Delworth is a familiar and welcome presence in the local music scene. As a session player, his keyboard contributions grace numerous recordings, including the majority of Lamchop’s catalog as well as Vic Chesnutt’s iconic 1998 album The Salesman And Bernadette.
LIVERPALOOZA: Friday, Oct. 3 | 5-8 p.m
Having toured with the likes of John Prine and Jack White, Fats Kaplin gets around. A magician of a player, he and his wife/fellow musician Kristi Rose pay it forward as the show’s openers.
It’s a tough act to follow. But Patrick Sweaney and JD Simo — making a rare appearance with their collab SUPER FELON — are up to the challenge. They’re the kind of band that makes the Nashville music scene so incredible. All in all, they’re world-class musicians and greasy AF; a blisteringly great outfit.
Then there’s Soft Power FM, which consists of Seth Timbs( piano), Tripper Ryder (Bass), and Martin Lynds (drums). Basically, they operate by the adage, “Book the gig, and then you’ll have to learn it.” Of course, this pretty much sums up the attitude of East Nashville musicians.
Closing out Day One are Eastside stalwarts Chuck Mead & Friends, who might be the baddest trio east of the Pecos. With a vast repertoire, they could play 24/7 for a week without repeating themselves. Regardless, whatever they pull out of the hat will surely satisfy.
LIVERPALOOZA: Saturday, Oct. 4 | 2-5 p.m.
The Church of Cleanliness starts — and perhaps ends, should a brawl ensue — Day Two. Lovers of spectator sports won’t wanna miss this crew, so don’t be late!
Anyone who frequented the OG Family Wash likely rubbed elbows with the Delworths. Jamie Rubin, the founder/proprietor of that legendary establishment, plays the second slot on Day Two with his new band, Jamie Rubin & The 2020Hz. The circle stays unbroken.
Jon & Paul, meaning Jon Byrd & Paul Niehaus (a fellow traveler from Delworth’s tenure in Lambchop) promise a set that, to quote Byrd, “Definitely won’t rock.” They don’t need to, either, because it’s all about the songs. With Byrd accompanying his vocals on his trusty gut-string guitar and Niehuas on pedal steel, the duo creates beautiful sonic backgrounds for Byrd’s poetic songwriting. They don’t go to 11. But they might turn it up from three to four on this special occasion.
Paul Burch (another compatriot from Delworth’s Lambchop days) & the WPA Ballclub, along with special guests, close out Day Two. A prolific writer of masterful songs, Burch is the type of artist who attracts great musicians like moths to a flame. He’s sure to have some of them along for the ride at Liverpalooza as he brings Day 2 to a close.
LIVERPALOOZA: Sunday, Oct. 5 | 5-8 p.m.
Kicking off Day 3‘s stellar lineup is Bill Lloyd. From his 1987 debut, Feeling the Elephant, to guitar on Steve Earle’s Copperhead Road, to bands Foster & Lloyd and The Sky Kings, followed by a successful songwriting career, Lloyd’s CV is insane. Live, he’s always a delight and is alone worth the 20 bucks.
Producer/guitarist Joe Pisapia will be there. His credits are extensive, and his playing is truly exceptional — like, otherworldly good. He made the scene originally along with Marc Pisapia and James “Hags“ Haggerty in the band Joe, Marc’s Brother. From a stint with Guster to production credits on albums by K.D. Lang and Ben Folds, Pisapia unfuses everything he touches with his musicality. His solo work is uplifting and inspiring, making him a perfect addition to the lineup.
Altered Statesmen’s major domo, Steve Poulton, helped guide Justin Townes Earle’s early career. Indeed, he produced JTE’s first two records, Yuma and The Good Life. Punk-rock sensibilities permeate his work. Lending a hand to help the Delworths is total punk rock action.
Legendary UK singer-songwriter/raconteur Robyn Hitchcock makes an appearance with his wife Emma Swift. Swift’s gorgeous new album, The Resurrection Game, just dropped, so perhaps she’ll treat us to a few of her latest tracks. They’re a blast when playing together. The off-the-cuff wit and repartee in-between songs is a show all its own. But the real treat is the way their vocals intertwine. The Eastside émigrés have become part of the fabric and a perfect choice to close out Liverpalooza.
It’s a helluva cast of talent gathering together to help one of their own. When told about the benefit, Delworth committed, “No man is a failure who has friends.” We hope to see you there.
