I am on maneuvers again, in DC tonight at the Rock and Roll Hotel, as Todd Snider will be playing the Hope For Henry Rocks benefit. How this event came together is rather special. Author Laurie Strongin wrote a book, Saving Henry: A Mother's Journey, about the genetic disease her son Henry was born with, Fanconi anemia; and the heroic path that she and husband Allen walked to try to save his life. They also tried to live life fully, to savor every moment with him.
When Henry was four, he already had hand-chosen music; Henry's Mix, where song number three was "Beer Run." His parents allowed it, primarily for the 'lesson' contained within, as Todd spells it out when he sings it. When the book was about to go to press, the publishers knew that permission had to be granted for use of the lyric, and Laurie and Allen reached out to Todd's camp with the necessary paperwork. A few months ago, when Todd was at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, they were invited backstage to say thanks, and they gave him a copy of the book. He read it and called them the next day to say that he would be happy to do a show for the organization. And so here it is, tonight's the night!
Laurie Strongin has been touring the country on a media blitz to raise awareness about the book and the Hope For Henry Foundation, where she is the Executive Director. Their mission is to bring laughter, entertainment and smiles to seriously ill children. Tonight's show is a benefit for the organization, as well as a celebration of Henry's life. Their slogan is "Live Well and Laugh Hard." I promise you will do both if you attend the show in DC tonight!
Here is Todd Snider with "Beer Run."
- Jessie Scott
