Nancy Mitchell is an old music industry buddy of mine who worked for Bang Records, and Burkhart/Abrams (the largest radio consultants) in the '70s and '80s. She moved to Nashville 15 years ago to work in the music industry but, that having changed drastically in the past decade, Nancy's latest job was as a substitute school teacher. March 18, 2009, the same day I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer, Nancy was diagnosed with stage IV lymphoma. Not only was her diagnosis devastating but, having worked hard all of her adult life, Nancy currently has no insurance. To top it off, Nancy's oncologist told her she could no longer work because she would be too susceptible to catching germs from the kids she was teaching.

The great news is that Nancy's friends are joining forces to help her fight the greatest battle of her life, and it's something fun you can take part in. Beginning at 7 p.m. this Sunday night at Smith's Olde Bar, there's a music and auction benefit for Nancy featuring some of the best musicians from Atlanta who we first saw in '70s and '80s like The Georgia Satellites, members of The Producers, Chris Edmonds and members of The Swinging Richards, and LOTS more! The cost is $15, and the auction includes some very cool (and some rare) music memorabilia. Nancy's website for the event is www.helpnancywagewar.com -- check it out to see some of the great stuff (a lot from her personal collections she's amassed over the years) you'd be able to bid on.

I am really bummed I won't be able to attend this event -- my oncologist has advised me to stay away from crowds (especially crowds of people I'd want to HUG) during my treatment. But if you're looking for something special to do this Father's Day evening, please help support my friend Nancy for, what will be, a terrific evening of music! And if you go, please be sure to greet Nancy's mom Jean, and her dad Sergeant Major Mitchell to wish him a Happy Father's Day.