Finally, a special word of gratitude...

We who worked together to honor the spirit, humanity and talent of Keith Ranson Carper, wish to thank all of you who contributed your time and talents to the incredible Memorial Tribute evening, November 17th, 2009, as well as express our appreciation those kind folks who have made donations to the Keith Carper Memorial Fund. Along with proceeds from the Gruene Hall event, and Gruene Hall's own generous donation, mailed donations and CD sales, we have so far raised just over $2000 toward the settling of Keith's affairs. Last week we distributed 100% of those funds collected to date toward defraying Keith's final expenses.  For an indefinite time, Paul Wilson's superb COLLECTIBLE tribute CD, Hey Bassman, a rare collection of tracks featuring Keith on bass and/or vocals, may still be obtained by mailing a $20 check per CD (made out to "Keith Carper Memorial Fund") to the following address. Your $20.00 covers a $15 donation as well as any shipping-related expenses. 

Checks should be mailed to:
Paul Wilson
1165 Overlook Way
San Marcos, TX 78666

You may also hear samples of the music you are purchasing by simply going to Paul's "Keith Carper Memorial" Myspace page.

Again, our heartfelt appreciation to all of you,
Betty Elders, Gene Elders, Paul Wilson, Carol Jones

Extra special thanks:
Chelsea Noel Means
Brian Thompson
Tad Dickens (The Roanoke Times)
Tracie Ferguson
Doug Floyd, Brad Floyd, Merritt Rogers, Shake Russell, Mike Roberts
George Ensle, Beth Galiger, Greg Whitfield
Pastor Kent and Marian Johnson
The Volunteer Fire Ants
The Amazing Quitters
Gerry Burns
Arley Blankenship
Jill Jones
Mike Byrne
Larry Crocker (beautiful memorial Tee-shirts)
Don Carper & family
Donors:
John Vincent
Ginger Frizzell
Debra Derr
Ron and Deb Rymal
Brian and Mickie Wood (Merkins)
Vickie Vest
Justine Dare Davis
Wilson Steel Rule Die Co., Dallas TX

Well, we're rollin' on...

The 17th is almost here and some of the bands and musicians performing are :

Shake Russell Band – with Doug Floyd & Mike Roberts

Volunteer Fire Ants – Arley Blankenship, Doug Floyd, Gerry Burns, Jeff Hogan

Amazing Quitters -- Arley Blankenship, Kent Johnson, Mike Byrne et al

The Groove Angels Ensemble: George Ensle, Greg Whitfield, Gerry Burns, Jeff Hogan & Beth Galiger

Paul Glasse, Marvin Dykhuis, John Inman, Paul Wilson, Gene & Betty Elders, and more....

In addition to our Paypal "DONATE" button below, there will be a bright blue Memorial Fund box on Keith's remembrance table at Gruene Tuesday night, for your convenience. Paul Wilson has produced a rare commemorative compilation CD called HEY BASSMAN! -- 20 songs by various artists, all featuring Keith's incredible artistry--proceeds from which are going toward his Memorial Fund.

For more information, read on below...

(Thanks Susan Roads for the great photo)

The Keith Carper Memorial Fund

PLEASE NOTE: This fund is no longer active, as of Feb. 01, 2010. You may still order Paul Wilson's commemorative Keith Carper Compilation CD. This link to his Memorial MySpace Page is in the upper right link box of this page, where you may listen and order. Thank you all for your loving contributions.

Keith's Official Texas Memorial Service/Tribute/Benefit...

...will be at Gruene Hall, November 17, 2009, 7-11 pm.  Musicians, family and friends from Nashville to Austin to Roanoke, Virginia, will gather in New Braunfels, to give tribute to the life and music of Keith Ranson Carper, 50, longtime bassist for country artist Hal Michael Ketchum. Born in Hollywood, Florida, and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Keith has been a resident of Texas since 1989 when he followed fellow musicians and friends Gene and Betty Elders to Austin from Roanoke, Virginia. Carper, a Berklee College of Music alumnus, instantly grabbed the attention of the Austin music community as a profoundly gifted bassist, garnering a coveted top ten position in the prestigious Austin Chronicle Musicians Poll, landing him work with renowned Texas artists George Ensle, Tish Hinojosa, the Bow Brannon Band, the Primitive Moderns, Kris Kristofferson, Hal Ketchum, and later, Stephen Bruton & the Resentments. Keith's love of music and an inimitable, intuitive artistry defined each performance.  But it was his unforgettable work with Hal Ketchum that put his artistry on the international musical map, and subsequently forged a friendship with Ketchum lasting more than 20 years.

Sadly, on September 22, 2009, Keith collapsed at home from a fatal heart attack. Later that week, during opening strains of Bob Ferguson's classic hymn, "On the Wings of A Dove", a grief-stricken Ketchum would spontaneously eulogize his longtime pal:

"There wasn't a garden he couldn't grow,
there wasn't a pastry he didn't know--
There wasn't a home he wasn't welcome in;
there wasn't a song he couldn't sing,
there wasn't a note he couldn't reach--
there wasn't a friend he wouldn't come to..."

Keith will be long remembered by all who knew him for his gentle sweetness, his love of life organic, his relentless penchant for gardening, an eternal willingness to help others, his ready smile and unforgettable laughter, and of course, his consummate artistry. Keith didn't simply play music, he became it.

Regrettably, like too many brilliant musical lights we have known and loved, he died without medical benefits. To help offset remaining financial burdens, the evening at Gruene will also be a benefit--all proceeds and donations going to this end.  The evening will be opened by pastor and fellow musician, Kent Johnson. Special guests will include Keith's daughter, Chelsea, and numerous musical friends. Those unable to attend may send donations via the Paypal "DONATE" button on this page, or send check or money order earmarked to the "Keith Carper Memorial Fund", c/o Whistling Pig Music, P.O. Box 935, Dripping Springs, TX 78620.

For more information you may call Central Texas Music Service/Whistling Pig Music at 512-858-9215, or simply go to KeithCarper.com or Gruenehall.com.

--Betty Elders

The Music World Mourns the Passing of A Brilliant Light...

This page will be used to connect musicians, friends and family of Keith Ranson Carper, who earned his wings on September 22, 2009. We will also use this space to coordinate all memorial events and related activities, and share news.

We invite you to post your own thoughts and remembrances here, as you are led to. Some of your words may be shared at his official Memorial Service/Tribute/Benefit to be held Tuesday November 17, 2009, 7-11 pm, in New Braunfels, Texas, at Gruene Hall.

Pass it on...