PREVIEW: Local Music Community Comes together to support Deb Cavanaugh’s recovery
01/26 @ The Hangar on the Hudson, Troy
This Sunday, January 26, the music community will gather at The Hangar on the Hudson in Troy for a fundraiser concert to benefit Deb Cavanaugh. Deb is a renowned singer-songwriter, musician, and music teacher from the Capital Region. Many may recognize her as a member of the psychedelic folk band, Dandelion Wine, while her younger students simply know her as “Miss Deb” in the classroom.
It’s true that anyone’s life can change in the blink of an eye. That’s exactly what happened to Deb one day in late November. After experiencing a freak accident at home, she suffered numerous broken ribs and a broken sternum. Fortunately, Deb is well on her way to a full recovery. I recently reached out to Deb to see how things were going.
“My recovery is going better than originally expected,” she told me. “I still tire easily and get sore in the evening after a day of activity. That said, I'm able to go out some which helps my mental health. I'm working on playing instruments a little every day, though the guitar is difficult because of its size. Most of the rib plating is on the right side making it hard to hold my right arm up over the body for playing. I plan to have some therapeutic vocal coaching to help strengthen my voice. My lungs are somewhat constricted due to the rib repairs, so I may need to learn a new way to sing.”
Due to her physical pain and lengthy recovery, Deb has been unable to work since the accident and will not be able to for the foreseeable future. Proceeds from the benefit concert will help to offset some of her lost income as well as pay for a few medical expenses. The outpouring of support from the music community has been incredible, Deb told me.
“I was definitely surprised by the amount of support from not only the music community but other groups as well. I've been involved with many different people over the years, and they have been coming out of the woodwork to support me, including former students with children of their own.”
As for the future, Deb doesn’t have a timeline. For now, she says she will continue to work on her recovery and finish her memoir. The entire crew at Metroland wishes Deb a safe and speedy recovery!
The event at The Hangar will include regional artists Anthill Annihilator, Girl Love, Off the Record, and 2015 “The Voice” winner, Sawyer Fredricks. There may also be a few late additions and surprises! Doors at The Hangar will open at 2pm. There is a $20 suggested donation but everyone is welcome and no one will be turned away. Those that cannot make the event can donate through a GoFundMe campaign at https://gofund.me/48ff09aa or directly through Deb’s Venmo account @debcavanaughmusic.
For more information on the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/513954178334625.