Mr. Nick is on his annual mission of love. The blues singer, harmonica player, stand up comedian, and professional poker player has been hosting his annual Blues For Beanie Fundraiser for several years. This year’s event will take place this Sunday, August 23, at the Kimball Jenkins Estate in Concord, New Hampshire starting at noon.
It’s a cause that is close to his heart as well as his Concord, New Hampshire community.
He named his event Blues For Beanie because Beanie is his aunt’s Jeannie’s nick name.
“I came up with the idea to put the festival together several years back, after my Aunt Jeannine was in a terrible car accident.”
His very self-sufficient aunt and uncle were suddenly overwhelmed with insurmountable medical bills stemming for his aunt’s surgeries and follow up care. His aunt and uncle are primarily focused on his aunt’s medical care. Mr. Nick thought up this annual fundraising event to help cover a fraction of his aunt’s medical costs. “My aunt is unable to work,” Mr. Nick said. “But, my uncle still works when he can.”
Mr. Nick’s Aunt Jeannie was involved with many fundraisers over the years. She was on her way to a radio station to talk about her latest fundraiser when she had the accident.
“I wanted to do something to help her and my uncle out, and music is the only thing I really know,” Mr. Nick said.
Mr. Nick had to rally the support of the Jenkins Estate in Concord for the site of his fundraiser event as well as the bands playing at it, and the blues community in general, to get behind his fundraiser. The blues community, many say, is pretty tight and supportive when one of their own needs support.
“I forget where the idea came for doing the festival at the Kimball Jenkins Estate,” Mr. Nick said, “but I called them and spoke to their director. Ryan Linehan was on board from the jump, and they have been incredibly helpful every year.”
Mr. Nick couldn’t really explain or suppose what makes the greater-Boston/New England blues scene so compassionate and understanding. He feels it’s a universal quality with musicians. He has got Sugar Ray & The Bluetones, Worcester’s Lisa Marie & All Shook Up, Manchester’s Lisa Guyer & Buddy Sullivan, and southern New Hampshire’s Delanie Pickering.
That should be a powerful draw with all that name talent on the bill. Most of the bands volunteer their time. Some require payment, but usually it is at a much discounted rate. “I have a lot of friends in the Blues world and for the most part they are willing to help out if they can,” Mr. Nick said. “I think it’s going to be a hell of a day of great music,” the blues singer exclaimed.
Mr. Nick’s usual band, The Dirty Tricks, isn’t on the bill this year, as he’s giving them a break after playing it for several years. Even thought the indomitable Mr. Nick will not be performing musically, the audience will see him MC the event, and, his skills as a local stand up comedian will come into plays.
“I will be there all day as MC and will be happy to play with anyone that will have me throughout the day,” he said. “Maybe I’ll tell a joke or two. We’ll see.”
Mr. Nick is always moved to see his community come out to support his cause.
“I hope to see everyone who’s reading this at the festival,” he exclaimed.
266 N Main St, Concord, New Hampshire 03301
6th Annual Blues for Beanie Blues Festival Sunday August 23 at 12pm at the Kimball Jenkins Estate in Concord NH.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1668513520039018/
