Nationally known saxophone player’s advanced-stage colon cancer journey hits home
Local nonprofit, Junior Jerry Jam invites families to attend an impromptu family-centered event on Saturday, August 26, at 5:30pm, at Buffalo Iron Works. This donation-based event will support musician James Casey’s treatment for advanced stage colon cancer and raise awareness for the importance of colon cancer screening.
James Casey is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and composer who has toured the world with his saxophone, playing and recording with artists such as Phish, The Roots, Dave Matthews Band, Wu-Tang, John Legend and many more. Casey is known for his recent work with Trey Anastasio Band, who is scheduled to play at Borderland Music + Arts Festival in East Aurora later this month.
Casey is undergoing treatment for advanced stage colon cancer. He canceled his touring schedule to battle the disease, which left him unable to perform on stage. “I don’t know James but as a Black man it’s personal to me because it could be me or someone I love. This is a great opportunity to shine a light on something that is silently killing Black men across our county,” shared Modie Cox, Junior Jerry Jam board member. Colon or colorectal cancer disproportionately affects the Black community, where the rates are the highest of any racial/ethnic group in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. The American Cancer Society recommends that people begin regular colon cancer screening at age 45. In Erie County, residents over the age of 45 can obtain an at-home screening “FIT kit” by visiting https://www3.erie.gov/cancerservices or talking with their doctor.
Junior Jerry Jam is a Buffalo-based nonprofit that works to create safe and inviting spaces for families to experience and enjoy live music. In the spirit of Jerry Garcia, Stu and Judy Weinstein created this nonprofit to bring families together to appreciate live music and build a community that gives to those in need. “Our platform not only offers a wide array of fantastic tunes for the whole family to enjoy, but also places emphasis on supporting community needs. By becoming part of the Junior Jerry Jam family, you are joining a network of music lovers who proactively contribute to making the world a better place,” shared Stu Weinstein, Junior Jerry Jam founder. The organization has worked with touring bands such as Moe, Aqueous and Dogs in a Pile to raise funds for causes including American Cancer Society, Buffalo String Works and the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter.
Young people are encouraged to attend this all-ages event at Buffalo Iron Works, located at 49 Illinois Street, in downtown Buffalo. Families are asked to donate to Casey’s fund, in any amount, to enter. At 5:30pm, The Lizards will take the stage for a fun and inviting Phish tribute set. Children are encouraged to dance and play with the Junior Jerry Jam team. Refreshments and Junior Jerry Jam merch will be available to purchase. Cash and credit will be accepted and 100% of entry fees will go to Casey’s fund. The Lizards will take the stage again later that evening for a ticketed event at Buffalo Iron Works. Tickets to the evening event are available on the Buffalo Iron Works website.
Those interested in supporting the cause can make donations at www.juniorjerryjam.org.
Junior Jerry Jam hosts live music events about four times per year. Families can find out more about Junior Jerry Jam by visiting www.juniorjerryjam.org or visiting their Instagram and Facebook pages @junior_jerry_jam.
