Playing for a needed cure

By Brian Miller

Special Writer

Dearborn Press & Guide. All rights reserved.

Lenny Price will entertain at “Concert for the Cure” in memory of his mother, Thelma Price, who passed away from breast cancer.  The upcoming event at the Pelican Club is a fundraiser for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

When local jazz musician Lenny Price takes to the stage on Friday, May 17, at Dearborn's Pelican Club, his heart and soul will be in his music, but his thoughts will be of his mother.

Thelma Price died of breast cancer in 1996. Her son's "Concert for the Cure" will be in her memory, with all proceeds going to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

A master saxophonist, Price's musical styling landed him on the 1991 Grammy nomination ballot for Best New Artist, Best Contemporary Jazz Performance and Best Instrumental Solo (Jazz).  He has recorded with David Peaston, The Four Tops, Earl Klugh, Randy Crawford and many others.

Price, who is also an adept keyboardist, guitarist and vocalist, attributes his musical prowess to his mother, Thelma.

“She used to play the piano all the time while she was carrying me,” said Price.  “But she gladly put her musical aspirations on hold in order to raise her children.”

The family moved often before settling down in Inkster, where Price was raised and his career began.

Thelma Price watched proudly as her maestro studied classical music under Harold Arnoldi of Wayne State University, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

Price moved back to Detroit in 1986 to continue his music career.  His art culminated in 1989 with the release of his first solo recording “From My Heart.”  On the heels of that album’s success, Price joined vocalist Keith Washington on his 1991-92 world tour.

But, soon his mother’s passing would devastate Price.

The tragedy did little to derail Price’s career.  With new awareness he began to research the disease and the institutions dedicated to patient treatment.

Thus began Price’s association with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

“They’re simply the best in the area,” Price said.  “Their staff is focused on fighting this disease and spreading awareness.”

Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of the nation’s leading cancer research, treatment, education and outreach centers.  It is affiliated with Wayne State University and supported by the United Way.

“We are very lucky to have Lenny as a patron and to be hosting this concert,” said Jill Ellerbrake, public relations coordinator for the Pelican Club.  “He is really an outstanding musician.  Sometimes he will come in here with his saxophone and play a set with whatever band is on stage.”

“It keeps me challenged,” Price said with a grin.  “I’ve played a lot of jazz and a lot of R&B, but sometimes it’s fun to play some rock ‘n roll or grunge – to try to find out how to squeeze some sax in with the Violent Femmes.”

Price promises some surprises for the upcoming benefit concert. “The show won’t be your typical barroom performance.  We are trying to make this an event people will really appreciate,” he said.  “We are going to play two 90-minute sets that will include some new songs off our new CD.”

“We want everyone to have fun and enjoy the event, but, most importantly, I hope it increases awareness,” Price said.  “Practically everyone you know has been touched by cancer in some way.”

Next year Price plans to host two benefit concerts – one in the spring for breast cancer and the other in the fall for prostate cancer.

Tickets are still available for “Concert for the Cure.” Shows are at 9 and 11 p.m. The Pelican Club is located at 14333 Ford Road. Call Lenny Price Productions at (248) 559-1329 or the Pelican Club at 581-4749 for ticket information.