Two Benefits For Jazz Pianist Mark Simon’s Liver Transplant
Portland Jazz Pianist Mark Simon awaits a phone call telling him he can finally get the liver transplant that will save his life. Diagnosed in 2000 with a life-threatening liver disease, Simon was finally added to the transplant waiting list last year.
Simon has been playing jazz for more than 30 years and has been a Portland artist since 1978. He released a critically acclaimed CD of his original compositions and has been an in-demand musician in Portland. But the cost of the liver transplant is $500,000. Even with health coverage, his share of medical expenses and lifetime follow-up care will be be considerable. The post-transplant medications could be $2000 – $5000 a month.
Two benefits are scheduled to help out Simon:
Early photo of Mark Simon and his brother Fred.
Monday, Sept. 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. A jazz concert at The Outer Rim, 10625 NE Halsey St. in Portland. While there is no cost to attend, a $15 donation is strongly encouraged. The night will include some of Portland’s top jazz musicians, along with many special guests. For more information: contact Nadine Jones info@outerrimbicycles.com or 503-278-3235.
Sunday, Sept. 25 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. A jazz piano party at Classic Pianos, 3003 SE Milwaukie Ave. in Portland. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20, but pre-purchase recommended. Jazz pianists Tom Grant, Tony Pacini, Peter Boe and Mark Simon will take turns playing with legendary drummer Mel Brown. Ed Bennet and Tim Gilson will be on-hand to share bass duties. For tickets, visit www.ticketsoregon.com or call 503-432-9477. For more information: contact Peggy Zackery at 503-239-9969 or pzackery@classicportland.com.
To make donations in honor of Simon, visit www.transplants.org and click on “Patients We Help” to search for him. After clicking Donate Today, please be sure to type Simon’s name in the section indicating that your gift is in honor of an NFT patient.
Mailing address for contributions:
NFT Oregon Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119.
Be sure to write “in honor of Mark Simon” in the subject line.
