The Music Community Steps Up, Again.

Frank "Frances Rico" Hayhurst is a kind, open hearted member of our music community. He is also a Shaman. We've all seen him immersed in music with his beautiful heart proudly on display in the music scene. Frank has been involved in the North Bay music scene for many years and in several different forms. One of the first times I met Frank was more than a decade ago when I saw him channel Jimi Hendrix and then proceed to light his guitar on fire at the back of Zone Music in Cotati. I've seen Frank play a lot of shows through the years. Everytime I worked with or saw Frank I think his smile enters the room before him. Frank is a cool dude, cool and always a positive aura like vibe. This day at The HopMonk was a little like Frank...it was a cool vibe event. Unfortunately at this time, Frank is now facing some health challenges so we naturally came together to help him out in his time of need. It's a beautiful thing when people can gather together, chipping in money, and/or talents to help out a friend in need. Not long ago we put on two benefits for Harry Gale and his family. The two benefits for Harry's family were both successful in financial donations and emotional love and support. And this recent benefit for Frank raised funds from a whopping 500 ticket sales to the event at the HopMonk in Sebastopol on August 24. See links here and on this page to continue the donations for Frank.

Helping Frank out with some medical bills is the reason for this benefit. As this country's majority doesn't seem to believe that just because blood runs through our veins, we are entitled to health care by simply being human...It must be paid for. And if you live in the USA, you know how inflated heath care here can be. I've seen reports and things on TV where families have to choose between medical care, or face moving the family into a homeless shelter simply to chose to use the money to keep someone alive. Sometimes it can come down to keeping their home or allowing their child/loved one to die. No where else on the planet do humans have to make this horriffic choice, except here in the USA! And as many people think Bernie Sanders was too "far out" for them...believe it or not, most of the planets' populations are run as he has suggested for years.

I lived in the UK for 24 years. And I must admit how wonderful it was to live in a place where I knew that if me and/or my loved ones needed health care, we would receive it without the fear of losing our home due to huge over inflated medical costs.

The lineup at the HopMonk was great and oh so many musicians turned out to play. Eric Lindell closed the day and the event lineup included: David Luning, The Pulsators, Volker Strifler, Sebastian St. James, The Soul Section, Andre De Channes, Sarah Baker, Mad Honeys, and so many more awesome, talented folks in our music community. When we all pitch in, there's definitley love in the air. And especially in these dark political times, it feels so good when love is in the air, as it's so real, and so beautiful to be a part of. And the love and respect that we all feel for Frank was present at this event for sure.

A big thank you to all the players, volunteers and attendees for making this benefit for Frank a successful day of gathering together for that special 'music community love vibe' that we seem to be so good at!

And The Music Soup likes to remind us all.... "Life is short...break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, meditate often, have the hard conversations because they make life richer, be kind to each other, tell those you love that you love them, and never regret anything that made you smile". And of course...see live music! ✌🏻 ❤️ 🎵

I'll be posting videos from this event on my You Tube channel: youtube.com/@TheMusicSoupVideo?sub_confirmation=1

If you like camera gear...the gear I use presently: (Amazon affiliate links) Canon R6 Body https://amzn.to/41sSO5d Canon 70-200 lens https://amzn.to/3JERnKL  (My Fave lens - I LOVE this lens!) Canon R8 Body https://amzn.to/3VvEpS5 Canon 24-70 lens https://amzn.to/3JCV9Eu

©Cheryl Alterman Photography 2025

©Cheryl Alterman Photography 2025