Subject:  From the Austin Chronicle 6-20-2003...
 

http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/dispatch/2003-06-20/music_TCB.html

Ailing Al
Another of Austin's beloved Als, Alejandro Escovedo, is having his own problems
with hepatitis C, a deadly, still-incurable ailment that continues cropping up
in musicians and revelers of an era where decadence had few tangible
consequences (The Growing Chorus ). "He's doing OK," affirms friend and
sometime guitarist/guitar tech Alan Durham. "It depends on the day. If it's a
treatment day, then it's really, really bad." Durham notes Escovedo was well
enough to drive into Austin Monday to pick up his kids, but also that, "I
talked to him a couple of times last week and he could barely speak." Escovedo,
who was hospitalized in April following a performance in Tempe, Ariz., has
canceled all shows until next March, including a scheduled appearance at
September's Austin City Limits Music Festival. "He's doing what [doctors] tell
him to do," says Durham, adding Escovedo remains optimistic because "he's found
some people that are very positive they can help him." Help is also required in
coming up with the "major money" necessary for treatment, and to that end, the
Continental Club is hosting benefits for Escovedo Wednesday and Thursday.
Booked for Wednesday are Sin Pelo (featuring Escovedo bassist Andrew
Duplantis), Gary Clark Jr., Jon Dee Graham, Beaver Nelson, and the Gourds'
Kevin Russell and friends. Taking the stage Thursday are the Real Heroes,
Damnations, Li'l Cap'n Travis, Miles Zuniga's non-Fastball new band, and Davíd
Garza. Cover is $15 both nights, with a jar for additional donations at the
door. Bloodshot Records is also organizing a separate benefit in Chicago, and
Durham says further contributions can be sent to Escovedo care of manager Heinz
Geissler at the Texas Music Group, 805 West Ave. #2, Austin, 78701.