Murphy – When Colby Beck experienced a heart attack on April 24, local musicians held their collective breath for the former owner of The Parson’s Pub and one of their own, as the member of local band Dottie was flown to Chattanooga, Tenn., to undergo triple bypass surgery.
A benefit for Beck and his wife, Jamie, was held on June 9 at Cherokee Cellars as an all-day music festival to help offset the costs of the surgery and subsequent recovery. Put on by local friends Shannon Long and musician Scott Stambaugh, the day offered five local bands – including Jeff Patterson, George & CW Ausman, Denise Moore & Jody West, Dead Bread and the last band of the day, SideHustle.
Long also organized a raffle with items and services donated by local businesses and retailers to help benefit the Becks.
Beck, who will turn 50 in October, said he’s “more fortunate than my dad, who passed away from a heart condition at too young of an age. So I’m glad they found the blockages and were able to fix them before something worse happened. I’m not ready to go anywhere right now.”
A long recovery in cardiac rehabilitation also faces Beck, who will be unable to work while as he completes the 12-week program.
“We are so blessed by this community, by these friends and musicians, and by this town. We feel so loved,” said Beck, with Jamie adding, “To see everyone come together for us is just incredible. We’re so humbled by the turnout.”
A GoFundMe site has been set up by Beck’s sister, Bethany Vernon. Anyone can donate online.
Details: Visit gofundme.com/f/support-colbys-recovery-from-heart-surgery.