Howdy, pals. As you may or may not know, Carolyn Colbert, wife of Blackberry Winter banjoist Van Colbert, was seriously injured in an auto accident last week. She survived and will, if fortune allows, be fine. But in the meantime she requires an extended period of convalescence. Since her university job was considered part-time and since Van is a freelancer, and since their insurance coverage was minimal (the other party was at fault, so presumably they’ll eventually have hospital expenses and such) and since Van’s work time is limited because she needs full time care, they are in need of short term funding for covering their expenses while they’re waiting for the lawyers to duke it out. Hence, members of Blackberry Winter are joining with members of Brixey Creek to offer a benefit concert at the Yellow House in West Plains, MO on Saturday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Please join us if you can. If not, contributions may be made to Van or Carolyn Colbert, P.O. Box 434, West Plains, MO 65775. If you wish to help this kind and gentle family, please consider reposting this announcement on your page and on whatever lists you’re on. Message me on FB with any questions. Thanks in advance. Marideth