During the last several years, I have been searching for a way to give something back before I go to that big stage in the sky and I think I’ve found it. As I wrote in my book, it was extremely difficult to read the blackboard when I was in school, then when someone had the bright idea of changing the black background to green, the lack of contrast made it nearly impossible. When I attended S.M.S.U. in Springfield, Mo. in 1968, I was faced with the same problem, so I can relate to being visually impaired while in school. It takes its toll physically and psychologically.
When it was brought to my attention there are students in need of proper glasses to correct their vision, being a blind musician, I knew I had found my cause for our community. They tell me I must raise $1000.00 to direct the funds where I want them to go so here it is.
A benefit will be held at the Dry Bean in Eminence, Mo. beginning at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 16th, and as long as you stay, the music will play. There is a $5.00 donation at the door.
Along with some locals, we plan to invite musicians from across the state, with an appearance of the Kosmo Kings out of West Plains and they will be providing sound equipment, along with mastering a C.D. to be recorded live at the event. The mastering will take place at their recording studio “Rideout’s Hideout” to be sold for $5.00 with the money going to visually impaired students. Thank you Kosmo Kings!
Thus far, musicians from Poplar Bluff, West Plains, Springfield, Van Buren, Thayer, Cuba, Rolla, St. James, and Salem plan to attend, just to name a few. Reservations have been taken at local motels and Bed and Breakfasts for the event. I would like to thank the Riverside Motel for offering a special discount to people associated with the benefit.
I realize this is not a venue for everyone, but hopefully this is only the beginning of a worthy cause, and the means of raising funds are limited by our creativity so I am open to ideas. You may send your ideas to blindcat@centurytel.net
If you are unable or do not wish to attend an event, and wish to send a donation, send a check or money order in care of Michael McIntire, Rt.1, box 1860, Winona, Mo. 65588. We plan to announce the amount of funds collected in the Current Wave and will periodically post an update in our newsletter and on this blog.
I want to thank Ryan for donating the Dry Bean as a venue for this wonderful endeavor, Roger Dillon, owner of this fine local paper for his help with advertisement, and I am confident others will jump on the band wagon as it rolls on down the road. Here’s hoping we can make a difference for students in need. See you at the Shindig.
Michael (Blindcat) McIntire
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