OMAR SHARIFF BENEFIT

Community Spirit Is Alive and Well in Sacramento Blues World
By Jan Kelley

On Sunday, August 20th, the Sacramento blues community once again proved it cares about its own.
The turnout at the 2 Grand Saloon in Old Sacramento was overwhelmingly in support of blues artist
and Sacramento resident Omar Sharriff, who is recovering from recent heart surgery and is in need of
a little help from his friends. The loving contribution of our own local blues musicians was magnificent.
Led by Rick Von Geldern of the Sacramento Blues Review, a plethora of artists (30) performed in just 3  
hours of hot blues, including Omar himself.

The following artists are being named to recognize not only their own special musical talent, but because
they unselfishly gave up their time on a busy Sunday:

Michael Vaughan (guitar), Lew Fratis (guitar), Paul Vieira (bass), Jimmy Pailer (guitar), Leigh Lennetta (drums),
Joe Lev (bass), Mick Martin (harp), Rat-A-Tat Pat Balcom (drums), Jimmy Reego (guitar), Allie Marcel (bass),
Mick Valentino (guitar), Dave Channell (bass), Dr. Derek Washington (sax), Gene Chambers (guitar),
Eric Everett (drums), Big John Evans (drums), Jeff Watson (guitar), Sammie Award Winner Stacie Eakes
(vocals), Gayiel Von (vocals), Lena Mosley (vocals), Paris Clayton (guitar/keyboard/vocals), Rick von Geldern
(guitar), Marshal Wilkerson (vocals), Luke Esposito (harp), Eric Price (sax), Eric Crownover (drums),
Jack Crownover (bass), Omar Sharriff (keys & vocals), Stewart Burr (drums), Al Arnett (bass), and late
arrival (due to Bay Area traffic) Junior Morrow. Congratulations to all of you, you should be proud!

Seen but not heard - Willie Brown, John Noxon & Valeriejeanne Anderson from the Sacramento Blues
Society Board of Directors.

Omar is generally a man of few words, but he expressed to everyone how grateful he is for this benefit,
donations which exceeded $800. Thanks once again to the Sacramento Blues Review for backing up a
dear friend and blues artist, as well as providing a great day of blues!

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