KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
A singer popular with Kodiak country music fans was recently diagnosed with throat cancer, leaving him unable to perform or support his family. One local business owner is organizing a fundraising drive to help him and his family with the financial burdens they face as a result and hopes to organize a benefit concert in the spring.
KMXT’s Erik Wander has more.
Country singer Kenny Peltier is the front-man for his own Anchorage-based band. Peltier was recently diagnosed with throat cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The illness has left the singer unable to perform and with limited financial resources to support his family.
Val Flinders, owner of the Rendezvous in Kodiak, is organizing the fundraising drive. He said news of his friend Peltier’s illness came as a shock and he felt he needed to do something to help.
— (Val 1 50 sec. "I just heard about this … undergoing the chemo and radiation.")
Flinders said there are several ways donations can be made to help Peltier and his family get through the difficult times they now face as a result of the singer’s illness.
— (Val 2 28 sec. "An account’s been set up … a good drop off point also.")
Flinders said Peltier has been performing at the Rendezvous for more than five years. He said the singer has a large following in Kodiak and enjoys performing here on a regular basis. Flinders also said he expects a positive response to fundraising efforts from the Kodiak community because of Peltier’s local popularity.
— (Val 3 22 sec. "He loves Kodiak … and he’ll answer some.")
Jim Varsos is known in Alaska as Hobo Jim. He’s a close friend and collaborator of Peltier’s and has benefit concerts planned in February at the Matsu Resort in Wasilla and the Palmer Fairgrounds at Raven Hall.
— (Hobo 1 41 sec. "There’s going to be food and … doing my normal stuff.")
Hobo Jim and others will perform at the Matsu Resort on Sunday, February 8th and at Raven Hall in Palmer on Sunday, February 22nd. Flinders said he is in the beginning stages of discussions with Hobo Jim to hold a similar benefit concert in Kodiak for Peltier sometime in the early spring. I’m Erik Wander.
###
