GARY LEE HUTCHISON... A GUITAR LEGEND IN NEED

In the world of local/regional LIVE music, there are those of us that are "weekend warriors" who have a "day job" that provides us a sometimes comfortable income and benefits that fund our hobby to pretend to be rockstars. Then, there are some that are actual rockstars who play music full time to earn their living. It takes an immesurable work ethic to be so driven to try to make a living doing something you love to your core when local/regional LIVE music earnings have not had a cost-of-living adjustment in over 50 years. Gary Hutchison is one such rockstar. Known widely as "The Guitar Monster" by both his legions of fans as well as within the musician community with sincere endearment. He has been inducted into five Halls of Fame, two-time IBC Regional Champion, two-time OMA Musicianship Award, OMA Guitar Player of the Year (2005), OMA and NAMA Lifetime Achievement Award (2004 and 2012, respectively), Fort Smith Legends Award (2019) and the feature guitarist in Voodoo Child Magazine's #1 Jimi Hendrix Tribue in the World (2005). And literally so much more over a career spanning more than 50 years with notable bands such as his current regional multi-success, Oreo Blue, Southern Fried, David & The Immatures, Gary & The Grinders and more.

Given the aforementioned challenges for earnings as a musician, it is commonplace that when a well-loved musician falls ill, is injured or (Lord forbid) passes away leaving family, the "relief" often comes by the music community putting together a benefit concert. I've organized them in the past and they are a LOT of work. Over his career, NOBODY has been more giving of his time than Gary Hutchison. Anytime these benefits pop up, Gary is almost always the first to volunteer. As his drummer, I am often dragged along, so I can attest that it might be in the triple digits since I've known him.

All told, Gary Hutchison needs the community's help. Nearly a month ago now, he was stricken with a likely combination of septic arthritis and GOUT. I don't know that much about gout, but everyone I know says it's the most painful of things. Just watching Gary try to even move is heartbreaking. The gout has attacked his right knee primarily and he has been immobile for this entire month of July (so far). This means he has been unable to work, teach, repair, perform this whole time.

I cannot know what his monthly income requirements are to make mortgage payments, car payments, bills, food, etc, but I DO know that his daily teaching and weekend performances are absolutely necessary to make these ends meet. I didn't really know how far behind he was until today.

YES, I would be willing and want to put together a benefit show on his behalf and KNOW that possibly thousands would show up from all corners of the region to support Gary as he has done for them. And those he has entertained over all these years have grown to love and adore his charisma, kindness, fun-loving demeanor and guitar-playing awesomeness.

But the needs are immediate and it would take me at least another month or more to gather up the resources for a benefit concert.

This GoFundMe can really help. All funds will direct-deposit to Gary's account. (note GFM has fees for card stuff)

Thank you all in advance. If you need more information or have creative ways to help, my contact information is below:

Stephen Boudreaux

479-236-4220

[email redacted]