Tommy Walker could use some help, but he’d never let you know that.
A meticulous respecter of his craft, Walker likes to do things the right way. But when he was recently dealt an unexpected curve ball by way of a broken leg, the painter/handyman was forced to take a break from his work.
Medical bills gathered, as they are wont to do, and his physical therapy hadn’t even started yet. But if you’ve done things the right way in this town, folks tend to notice, and that’s where Eric Lee came in.
Lee, a longtime musician and scene fixture, decided to do what he could to help Walker, and once he started shopping the idea around, he found that he wasn’t alone. “You want to be helpful with the tools that are at your disposal,” said Lee. “If your barn burns down, none of us (musicians) know how to build. But we know how to play music.”
And so the list began to swell of those willing to donate their time and skills on stage and a proper fundraising event was put together at the Pilot Light on Sunday, March 20th at 4:00PM.
The bill features Lee’s band White Gregg, Tim Lee 3, Big Bad Oven, Andy Pirkle and comedy by Jeff Blank. The event will be a pot-luck and everyone is encouraged to come early.
Lee mentioned that while Walker doesn’t grace the stage with an instrument, he is a major part of the Knoxville music scene. “I’ve known him for 25 years. He’s a rich part of the fabric that keeps our tiny community together, whether people know it or not. I’m just trying to help a brother out.”
This event embodies a larger philosophy; that it takes all kinds of people to create a community worth living in. And the humility shown from everyone involved puts an exclamation point on that sentiment. Walker, when asked about the event, quickly deflected the attention away from himself and showed great appreciation towards Lee and the other performers. When this was redirected to Lee, he quickly shifted the focus towards Walker. “He’s self-employed and he doesn’t take jobs he can’t do the right way,” said Lee. “Isn’t that everyone’s dream?”
Lee also mentioned the possibility that this could be the start of a more grandiose collective. He pondered the idea of creating a fund that helped folks out in the community when they fall on unfortunate circumstances. Walker mirrored the idea, saying that he hoped something good could come out of his situation.
Even if you don’t know Tommy, or Eric, or any of the performers, if you’re able to make it to the event, you’ll feel right at home.
Find out more info at https://www.facebook.com/events/188173391558289/
