January 9, 2014 marked the inaugural fundraising event at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN, to raise money for colon cancer awareness.
Ed Wilms, architect and aspiring rock star planned and executed a one-night event starring four bands that were close to him and his story. Although Ed has not personally been affected by colon cancer, he does share a close connection with it.
Jon Petit, who recently passed away from colon cancer in August of 2013, worked with Ed as a managing principal with the DLR Group, an architectural engineering and interiors firm. His good friend and one-time co-worker Ian Scott was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer this past year.
Mike Udulutch, Ed’s neighbor and longtime supporter of his dream to play guitar, was also diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in 2013. “I started playing guitar about 4 years ago and I think he has been there every time I’ve ever performed,” said Ed. Mike and Ed have traveled around the Midwest going to concerts over the last 5 years, including traveling to Chicago to watch Mike’s childhood friend’s band, The G Men, play.
Gypsy Bastards performing at the Varsity Theater January 9, 2014
Guitarist for The G Men, Jim Gaustad, called Ed to set up a show in Minneapolis so Mike wouldn’t have to travel far. ”We talked about it and I decided that we should make it a fundraiser for colon cancer. I did a little research online and came across the Colon Cancer Coalition / Get Your Rear in Gear and it was the perfect organization. Local and engaged…,” said Ed.
Ed and the Colon Cancer Coalition staff soon began organizing the event. Being an architect, Ed has had the opportunity to design a variety of venues, one of them being the Varsity Theater where the event was held.
Ed also had the task of putting together the line up of bands. His son Mac and his band, “Main Street School of Performing Arts Super Combo” opened the night with some jazz. A friend and coworker, Steve Cavanaugh of the band “The Consolation” came up from Chicago to play. Ed’s band, the “Gypsy Bastards”, put together a set and “The G Men” finished off the event with a tribute to Van Halen.
Guests enjoying the benefit concert at the Varsity Theater, January 9, 2014
The event brought together a little over 300 attendees and raised close to $3,000. Ed hopes to continue on with this event for years to come and was more than gracious for the amount of time and energy that everyone put in to making this event happen.
Ed Wilms performing with Gypsy Bastards January 9, 2014
Gypsy Bastards performing at the Varsity Theater January 9, 2014
Guests enjoying the benefit concert at the Varsity Theater, January 9, 2014