Central Iowa Music Lab founder James Biehn has been a regular face at benefit concerts around Des Moines, playing in the band Soapbox Prophets and as a solo act at concerts for the Animal Rescue League and other good causes.
Now he's on the receiving end of a benefit show. This summer, Biehn, 33, discovered a lump in his armpit. The lump ended up being a tumor the size of a tennis ball, and the musician learned he would need to undergo treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The local music community has quickly stepped up to try to help Biehn and his family cover the costs of fighting cancer. Last week a silent auction and music circle was held at First Unitarian Church, and The Nadas' record label, Authentic Records, put together a digital benefit CD featuring songs by bands Biehn has played or worked with. On Sunday, People's Court hosts a benefit concert with live music by The Nadas, Bonne Finken, Brother Trucker and Mr. Baber's Neighbors.
"I wish this wasn't happening, but in a way it's been a blessing," Biehn said. "This whole experience, having everyone come together around us, makes us remember they care."
Mary McAdams has played with Biehn over the years, including on her self-titled 2009 album. McAdams helped organize the silent auction last week and Sunday's benefit with a circle of Biehn's friends and fans, and said she feels "humbled and proud" by the way the music community has pulled together for Biehn - a testament to Biehn, and to the goodwill and fellowship that exists in the music community of Des Moines. "James has deep and long-standing relationships in this town and everyone has stepped up," McAdams said.
Local artist Chaden Halfhill has been a friend of the Biehn family for years and has taken lessons from him at Central Iowa Music Lab. He has helped organize these events along with Kat Dickel of Midwestix and others.
"The man is one of those people who is always willing to help others. He's very understated, never out there touting himself," Halfhill said. "How could you not want to help?"
The Nadas frontman Jason Walsmith said there was no question his band would be involved, starting with putting together the "... and James" download featuring songs by Soapbox Prophets, Biehn's previous bands Hyde Park and The McKenzies, along with The Nadas, Bonne Finken and others.
"We've known James ever since we've been playing around town," Walsmith said. "His fingerprints are on most of our records and we've been friends for a long time. It should be a great night of music."
Biehn won't be performing as an individual act at the benefit, but said he's not opposed to sitting in on a few songs if any of the bands are interested. (They probably are). Biehn has also been trying to stress to those musicians the importance of health insurance (Biehn has a high deductible plan, meaning he has to pay the first $4,000 out of pocket, which just reset earlier this month). Biehn has been on a schedule of drug treatments every three weeks, injected into his heart through a port in his chest. The fourth and final treatment is scheduled for later this month, after which he will be tested and switched to series of more painful radiation treatments.
"I've heard quite a few musician friends who don't have health insurance complaining that they don't have an iPhone or whatever," Biehn said. "I'm trying to get them on the bandwagon that they have it backwards. You need insurance."
