Last December saw the tragic passing of the prodigal folk singer Vic Chesnutt. Chesnutt – a quadriplegic since his teens – wrote hundreds of songs about heartbreak and mortality, but in the end, one of his biggest foes was the increasingly extravagant cost of healthcare. Chesnutt died leaving a sizable debt in medical bills.
Sandlin Gaither
He also left a venerable legacy. Throughout his career, Chesnutt collaborated with members of Fugazi, Widespread Panic and R.E.M. In keeping, SW’s Rocket Queen Hannah Levin has assembled a prominent pool of Seattle musicians to pay tribute to Chesnutt at the Tractor on February 28, and raise a few bucks to help his family pay the bills ($10 is the suggested donation.) Performers playing Chesnutt covers include Dave Bazan, Damien Jurado, Eric Howk of the Lashes, Jason Dodson of the Maldives, Ian Moore, Marc Olsen, Mike Dumovich, Anne Marie Ruljancich, Lori Goldston, Erin Jourgensen and Your Heart Breaks.
