Members of Long Island's blues community will rally around one of their own on Wednesday, November 15. Heather (Lil' Mama) Hardy, New York's fabulous contemporary blues violinist has been diagnosed with DeQuervains Tendonitis, a swelling of the tendons along the inside of her left wrist. After much pain and failure to find an alternative remedy, an operation is the only way to assure that she will be able to play again.

Scheduled for surgery on November 2, Heather, like most musicians, is not covered under medical insurance for a procedure that carries a cost of $8,000. She will also undergo rehabilitation following surgery. To help alleviate this costly burden, Heather's friends have been organizing fundraising benefits, with our local L.I. Blues Society holding one on November 15th at Paula Jean's Supper Club.

Scheduled to appear is Sam Taylor and his band, renowned bluesman with whom Heather appears regularly. Also on the bill are friends Black Cat Bone, Long Island's hottest up-and-coming blues band; Bob "Hoochie Coochie" Paolucci, one of the best harmonica/guitar players on the east coast; Frank LaTorre and the King Bees, a long-time local favorite; the Smoke Daddys, who have a unique style that is well-known all over Long Island. Chef Peter Lutzen will prepare a sumptuous Cajun style buffet for everyone's enjoyment and there will be raffles and door prizes to augment the net profits. Heather and her band, Mike Nordberg, Hiromasa Suzuki and Mark Giamarrio will be on hand to share in the good vibes, which will begin at 7:30.

Paula Jean's http://www.paulajeans.com is located at 130 Old Town Rd. (corner of Rt. 25A) in Setauket (phone # 631/751-5483). Admission is $25 per person; seating is limited, so advance tickets are recommended for this outstanding one night only blues show. Advance tickets are available through the L.I. Blues Society at 631-467-4156. If you wish to make a donation, checks can be made payable to Heather Hardy and mailed to Simron Productions, 250 W. 57th St, Suite 1830, New York, NY 10017.

For further information contact MaryAnne Gareau at MagiCat Promotions, (631)874-8277, or Charlie McKenna, L.I. Blues Society, (631) 467-4156.