string break
Posted on 02. Apr, 2010 by Seth in music
words > STRING BREAK
If you knew Kirk Rundstrom, you were one of the lucky ones. A local musician and creative force, Kirk was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2006 at a time when he was without insurance. As medical bills mounted, his fellow musicians, together with their families and friends, searched for ways to help however they could. And in the summer of 2006, the first String Break was born on a rainy, dreary day at the Hinz Farm in rural Kansas.
Artists from all around Wichita donated their work to be auctioned and bands played all day long. At the end of the day, some 300 people had gathered to celebrate Kirk’s life and ended up raising more than $10,000 to help pay for his medical bills.
Sadly for all of us, Kirk lost his battle with cancer the following year in February. And in May, the bands gathered again to honor his life in support of his family – what has become a String Break tradition.
Rain or shine, ten local and regional bands will take the stage on Saturday, May 1, at Hinz, the farm of David and Karen Eaton, which is just east of Newton. The benefit in Kirk’s honor will go towards the Rundstrom, Tureen, Bennett Cancer Fund, Inc., the Rundstrom Girls’ Trust Fund, and the American Cancer Society-Relay for Life.
Good Question will start the day followed by Tiny Horse, Highwater String Band, The Deedles, StateLine, The iii’s, Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy, Kit Craig & Softie, The Palpitaters, and ending with Kirk’s own Split Lip Rayfield.
Artisans, crafters, and local merchants have once again donated items for raffles, auctions, and purchase.
For those who want the full String Break experience, free overnight camping (rough) is available. Concessions will be offered throughout the day. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Children 16 and under are admitted free with an adult. Check out stringbreak.net for details and a list of supporters.
Other sites related to String Break or Kirk and his music include:
www.kirkrundstrom.com
www.rtbcancerfund.org
www.splitliprayfield.com
