I’ve been a close friend of and musical collaborator with local singer/songwriter, poet, and artist Champion McConnell since our days at high school (we both graduated in 2007). Champion has a distinct voice and songwriting style that together earn him comparisons to Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Woody Guthrie, and Buddy Holly.
It came as a serious shock to his friends and family when he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his bladder this past April.
Champion and his father Terrence “Terry” McConnell were both avidly interested in holistic cancer treatments even before Champion’s diagnosis, because of Terry’s own battle with cancer several years ago. When Champion’s tumor was discovered, they immediately began holistic treatments, including supplements, teas, and a vegan diet. Champion began to feel relief.
“The symptoms were fatigue, pain, and nausea,” he said. “I told myself if they came back, I would get the surgery, and they came back.”
Champion went in for the surgery with private practice Dr. Jon J. Soble, who removed the tumor at Marian Medical Center. The surgery spelled immediate relief from the pain and nausea for Champion, but the real surprise came at a follow-up appointment with his doctor.
“He said that he showed a panel of doctors my final results,” Champion said. “They were all surprised, because the cancer had not grown into the meat, it had not metastasized, and he told me to keep doing what I was doing.”
Champion’s experience is the genesis of the “Cancer Cure Awareness Concert,” set for June 25 at Unity Chapel of Light in Orcutt. The goal of the show is to provide information on alternative and holistic cancer treatments in a positive way. Founder and creator of Cellular Tea—one of the treatments Champion used—is Andy Wilson, who will be speaking about his product at the show. Champion will also provide information on everything he did to fight his cancer.
The show is also a benefit for Champion’s continued holistic treatments. There will be a bake sale and food available during intermission for donations, as well as a raffle. There will also be a free art show of paintings and other art by Champion and Terry McConnell.
But the star of the show is the music. Performers include opener Sonny Scozzari performing with myself, Joe Payne. Scozzari is a prodigious electric guitarist with an impressive mastery of blues, rock, and psychedelic rock styles—considering he’s only 17. We’ll be performing some favorites from the ’60s, as well as improvised blues music.
Next on the bill is local guitarist Nathan Towne, age 21, who has a virtuosic command of the guitar. He’s a true genius of jazz and can entertain for hours with just himself, a guitar, and some effects pedals. He’ll be performing hits from his vast banks of jazz hits, new and old.
After that comes the debut of a new a cappella group yet to be given an official name. The choir includes me singing bass with Andrew Barnick, tenors David Rude and Champion McConnell, altos Candice Meras and Grace Lanier, and sopranos Natalie Adams and Amara Villasenor. The group is an offshoot of the Allan Hancock College Singers; everyone but Champion was in Dr. Ann Lucas’ choir class this last semester. The group performs sacred and secular a cappella works, including Renaissance madrigals, medieval chases, sacred choral works, and contemporary arrangements.
[image-2]
Closing out the show will be Champion McConnell and myself performing Champion’s original songs and a few of our favorite covers. Champion is a born poet and songwriter. He has been writing songs since junior high school, always with passion and energy, maturing more each year. His lyrics can be inspirational, introspective, and satirical.
After a couple of years without collaborating, Champion and I have begun a new endeavor. Our musical style together is an amalgamation of several American styles that speak to us. Blues, rock, folk, alternative, and jazz blend together between our use of dual guitars, guitar and piano, and solo and harmony singing. This debut will feature some of Champion’s newest compositions.
“The show is to keep my cancer at bay,” Champion explained. “And it’s to show that being positive and listening to music also relates to healing cancer.”
Celebrate the musical
Gale McNeeley, entertainer extraordinaire, will sing and dance for his show Celebrate the American Musical, which features selections from favorite film and stage musicals including Heart, Damn Yankees, I Believe in You, The Way You Look Tonight, and others. Pianist Betty Faas accompanies McNeeley at the concert on June 26 at 2 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 1501 E. Alvin Ave., Santa Maria. Cost is $10. More info: 925-1882 or tbe1cassel@gmail.com.
Worshipful music
Cornerstone, a Church of the Nazarene, presents a free concert featuring the worship team from Point Loma Nazarene University performing live on June 26 at 6:30 p.m., 1026 Sierra Madre, Santa Maria. More info: 922-1919.
Music at the Maverick
The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez hosts country band The Belmores Band on June 24 at 8:30 p.m. followed by Late Night DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” with Crosby Tyler is June 25 at 3 p.m. The Belmores Band performs again June 25 at 8:30 p.m. followed by Late Night DJPJ at 11:30 p.m. Tickets are available at talesfromthetavern.com or 688-0383.
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 23-30, 2011.