Butch Baldassari update

**good_ol_al_61** · Sep-08-2007, 5:25pm

My band is on the way. I'll post a pic when it arrives.

tkdboyd: Good Man! We play the Locks of Love (called Kutz for Kids here in Jacksonville) outing every year for the past 6 and have really enjoyed it every time. Last year we were scheduled from 1 to 4, but we all got there early and started at Noon. It was one of those magic days we'll never forget. Everyone was just outstanding. Our banjo player's wife had lost a breast to cancer and she was there educating all who would listen about this monster named cancer. Everyone was moved by the music and message. We played until well after 5 without a break. No one wanted to take a break. We didn't even want to quit, but the mall was closing at 6. So we all went to the Cracker Barrel and continued until well after 8.

We were all tired, but satisfied that we did some good that day. I believe we are doing some good here no matter the outcome. Sometimes things are handled by the One who has the power and we are watched how we do or don't participate.

**good_ol_al_61** · Sep-08-2007, 5:34pm

Oops, forgot the photo of Locks of Love...

**jasona** · Sep-08-2007, 11:34pm

Best wishes to you Butch. Hang tough.

**Sinclair Baldassari** · Sep-09-2007, 8:13am

Hi, all,
This is Sinclair, Butch's wife. I have so enjoyed following the conversations and looking at the pictures here at mandolincafe. What a great site! Scott has a huge heart and lots of talent in putting this together. This is the first time I have posted anything directly so bear with me.
I was really touched by TKBoyd's Locks of Love photos because I am growing my hair for the third time for Locks of Love. It is so ironic that Butch has lost a lot of his beautiful locks and I am giving mine away. Our son and I offered to shave to match Butch but, of course, he wouldn't allow that! Please continue to send in your photos. There will be a benefit(first one planned) on Oct 22 in Nashville at the Blair School of Music where I hope to debut the stream of photos of all of you. It will either play in the background during the show or in the lobby set to Butch's music.
Butch is really and truly improving. The swelling in his brain has significantly improved and he is lifting out of his steroid-induced depression. He is now eating and engaging in conversation. I bet, with a little help, he will be home this week...our son's 14th birthday is this Thursday and I am thinking Butch might have a really special gift in mind. Well, thanks for all of the joy you have given us in sharing your stories, testimonies, prayers, love and donations. Stay healthy and faithful. Blessings to you all,
Sinclair

**Scott Tichenor** · Sep-09-2007, 10:27am

This sure is some positive news we've been waiting to hear. Encourage you all to post photos of your bands. If you need help resizing those images or are not comfortable trying to post them yourself, feel free to send them to me and I'll do it for you.

**DBallentine** · Sep-09-2007, 12:17pm

Sinclair it is wonderful to hear the good news - truly the answer to many prayers. We continue to lift all of you up in prayer for continued improvement and strength.

**Wolfboy** · Sep-09-2007, 2:47pm

Very welcome news indeed. Thanks, Sinclair. Keep us posted.

**MLT** · Sep-09-2007, 3:01pm

So glad to hear this news! Keep your spirits up Butch and family! You can all beat this.

**Rick Cadger** · Sep-09-2007, 5:47pm

excellent news!

**delsbrother** · Sep-09-2007, 5:52pm

So glad to hear this! After the last report, I went to Woodsongs online and watched this show while sending as many positive vibes Butch's way. Butch sounds so great on both his mandolin and (Sobell) OM! And his hair is epic.

Get well soon, Butch!

**good_ol_al_61** · Sep-09-2007, 7:50pm

Sinclair:

Thank you so much for the good news. It lifted me up, too!

**Caleb** · Sep-10-2007, 1:45am

Here's mine. Get well soon, Butch!

~Caleb

**Scott Tichenor** · Sep-10-2007, 6:19am

This is Van Manakas and family. Van is the guitar player for the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble.

**JEStanek** · Sep-10-2007, 5:07pm

I got mine today. I hadn't realized the family was sending them out... I'm a bit thick. Butch I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Jamie

**mando1man** · Sep-10-2007, 5:12pm

Butch, you gotta get better. Everyone is pullin' fer ya!

**claytonstewart** · Sep-10-2007, 5:19pm

Butch & Family,
I have received hours and hours of enjoyment from playing Butch's arrangements and listening to his music. My donation may not be that large, but it's certainly heartfelt. May you soon be free of this trial and stronger than ever, both personally and as a family.

**Scott Tichenor** · Sep-10-2007, 9:29pm

I was asked to post this from the Dawghouse this evening, and am happy to oblige.

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Butch, you're truly one of the mandolin world's shining lights and we're all pulling for you. We're proud to join the growing number of mandolin students and players who are demonstrating their gratitude for your untiring efforts in behalf of our beloved instrument.

With love and admiration,
Mr. & Mrs. Dawg (David & Tracy Grisman)

**Caleb** · Sep-10-2007, 11:57pm

Originally Posted by (JEStanek @ Sep. 10 2007, 18:07)

I got mine today. I hadn't realized the family was sending them out... I'm a bit thick. #Butch I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Jamie

Not to derail the thread, but that mandolin is extremely nice. What make is it? Custom, I assume?

**Rick Cadger** · Sep-11-2007, 3:10am

my donation was modest. i didn't expect to receive a band sent all the way to the UK, but mine is now adorning the scroll on one of my mandolins.

here's hoping Butch's recovery is swift.

**mideando** · Sep-11-2007, 4:21am

Dear BUTCH
we are praying for you.
Ciao from Italy
by
Mideando String Quintet

www.mideando.it
www.myspace.com/mideandostrigquintet

**Doug Edwards** · Sep-11-2007, 7:24am

We're praying for you Butch.

**Scott Tichenor** · Sep-11-2007, 2:39pm

A note from Sinclair: This is Matt Combs, an extraordinary musician, friend and the guy who is organizing Butch's benefit at the Blair School of Music on October 22. He is also a member of the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble.

**tjg** · Sep-11-2007, 3:17pm

Our prayers continue for Butch and his family.

Is Matt holding a signature Butch model, Kimble BB25?

**Will Kimble** · Sep-11-2007, 6:07pm

That is a mandolin I built for Matt, not a BB'25 model. #I have only built two BB'25 mandolins so far - Butch has the first one and the second belongs to a friend here in Cincinnati. #I did loan BB'25 #2 to Matt while I was building his mandolin, so you may have seen or heard him with it at some point. #

Get well Butch, we're pulling for you!

Will Kimble