A friend in need

In the past, if there was someone in need, the Deanes were up on stage to help raise funds. Some estimate that the family of bluegrass musicians has helped raised more than half a million dollars for local causes over the past 25 years.

“They have done such a tremendous amount for our community,” Deanna VanDerveer said. “They have never said no if they could help it.”

At Christmas time, the Deanes played singing Santas at local nursing homes, and they have helped raise spirits for the young patients at Kluge Children’s Hospital. They staged fundraisers for Madison and Greene county rescue squads and raised more for the Stanardsville Fire Department.

Larry Deane has picked his mandolin and played the spoons for schools and churches and funerals and people who were ill.

Now, one of the original members of the band is facing his own battle with cancer.

“Larry has been diagnosed with a rare form of spinal lymphoma, which affects the central nervous system,” VanDerveer said. “He is currently using a motorized wheelchair to help him get around, because he has lost a lot of use in his legs.”

It hasn’t stopped his giving spirit.

Deane, who just finished up his first round of chemotherapy at the University of Virginia Hospital, was back on stage — although seated this time – to sing at last Saturday’s Greene County Strawberry Festival.

“He is an example, the whole family really, to all of us,” VanDerveer said. “They have maintained a positive attitude and so unselfishly give of their God-given talents to help others. Now it’s our turn to give back.”

Friends, family and community members have been working since March to plan for this Sunday’s Bluegrass Gospel Benefit for Larry Deane. Showtime is from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Greene County Fairgrounds.

“A lot of the community members decided to get together on a committee, because we really thought it was time to give back to the Deanes,” VanDerveer said.

The musicians, which include former Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune, all donated their time and talents. The fairgrounds owner offered up the space. The folks who mow the land and those who will clean up afterward said, “No charge.”

“One thing that has been rewarding and humbling for the Deanes is that the community has really come out to support this,” VanDerveer said. “[Larry Deane’s daughter-in-law] Tina said her phone has been ringing nonstop with people calling asking what can they do or what can they contribute to the event.

“I think that has really touched them, because they are always the givers, and it is hard for them to be in the receiving position. So many folks know Larry and the Deanes, and they just love them.”

Following a special pre-show sound check at noon, the Deanes will open the show at 1 p.m.

After Fortune’s 7 p.m. performance, Larry and the Deanes will return to close out the daylong music festival.

Other performers include Steve Minter, M.D. Mallory and Charlottesville Grass, Dark Hollow, Virginia Ramblers and the Churchmen.

“We are also going to be having a silent auction, and the cake auction,” VanDerveer said. “Some of the cakes have been baked by celebrities from the area and local politicians.

“There is going to be a signed guitar from Jimmy Fortune, and we are also giving away a brand-new 2008 Isuzu pickup truck. We have been selling tickets for $100, and I believe we have about 40 more tickets left — and that truck will be given away at the end of the night.”

The funds will help defray Deane’s medical bills, which family members estimate will run about $50,000.

They knew something was wrong when Deane, who works at facilities maintenance treatment at UVa, started limping last summer.

“He is on disability right now, which means he has to pay his own insurance,” VanDerveer said. “Fortunately, this money has come in handy to pay medical bills that are already mounting up.”

But, of course, it wouldn’t be a Deanes show if the community didn’t benefit, too.

“They are still indirectly giving back to the community, because the food providers will be making money for their own organizations,” VanDerveer said.

“That includes the Nortonsville Church of God, the Greene County Rescue Squad and the Stanardsville Fire Department.

“There will be plenty of food there, so we are asking for no coolers to be brought in.”

For those who can’t come to the show but would still like to contribute, donations can be made to the Larry Deane Cancer Fund at any Bank of America.

“Larry is just a card; he really is,” said VanDerveer, who counts herself among his army of friends. “He is just an awesome fellow, and it is just unbelievable how positive he is going about all of this.

“But it’s our turn now. We now have the opportunity to show them just how we appreciate their family and their band and everything that they have done for our community.”

Details

Bluegrass Gospel Benefit for Larry Deane

1 to 8 p.m. Sunday

Greene County Fairgrounds

$15; free for children younger than 12

531-7889

sunday’s lineup

Noon: Pre-show sound check by Strictly Bluegrass

1 p.m.: The Deanes

2 p.m.: Steve Minter

3 p.m.: M.D. Mallory

and Charlottesville Grass

4 p.m.: Dark Hollow

5 p.m.: Virginia Ramblers

6 p.m.: The Churchmen

7 p.m.: Jimmy Fortune with Robbie Meadows

Closing: The Deanes