The Doug abides

Writer and photographer Alan Crandall submitted the following guest blog as originally published at www.timescall.com:

The Rocky Mountains have several hotbeds of artistic talent and Nederland, Colorado is

one of those places. Take a stroll through town and you can see a sculptor, painter or musician on nearly any street. So when one of Nederland’s own, Doug Guthrie needed help, the community answered with what they know: they answered with music and art.

Saturday’s Dougfest in Nederland, a benefit held in Guthrie’s honor, was “like the musicians medical insurance plan” said an artist during the event. Over 15 bands performed free of any compensation, all the proceeds going to Guthrie’s medical bills. The food, merchandise and a silent auction all were donated to help out a neighbor. Guthrie loves music, friends and fun. Local residents describe him, with a smile, as a great supporter of the local music scene.

Guthrie’s story turned tragic last year with an automobile accident in Texas that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He since has been receiving treatment at Denver’s Craig Hospital, one of the leading treatment centers for paraplegics. Without insurance treatment is very expensive, it is only through the help of several dedicated friends, family and community fundraisers that Doug abides. In fact, that’s the name of the website that tells of Guthrie’s story TheDougAbides.com.

I met Doug at the benefit and asked how he was doing, “I am having a blast and all of this support makes me feel good,” Guthrie replied. The town did come together, with the event held at the Nederland Community center. In spontaneous combinations, performers jammed in groups you may only get to see at this type of event. I met one drummer, Cody Wales, who performed with 4 different groups throughout the day.

Vince Herman, of Leftover Salmon & Great American Taxi, played in a couple of combinations,  including the Herman Clan featuring Vince and his two sons, Silas and Colin and Vince Herman and Friends.

The festival also offered a silent auction where you could bid on donated artworks, drums, music, and services from many of the local merchants. All of the food and refreshments were also donated with all the proceeds going to support Guthrie’s medical treatment.

Longmont area musician John McKay attended the festival with his wife Lisa and 13 day old daughter who was “at her first John McKay Band show,” said McKay.

Doug supported music and was always on the music scene, according to McKay, “Whenever I would look into the audience, Doug was always there.” Watch a video of the John McKay band from Dougfest below and to read more or to donate visit www.DougAbides.com. More about the music at Dougfest in my next post.