By Russ Lawrence
Chip Jasmin has spent decades promoting music and music education in the Bitterroot Valley, and far beyond. His passion is sharing folk music, and the stories it has to tell. He has made a career out of visiting classrooms and communities, sharing and teaching musical skills to children and adults alike.
Now, Jasmin is facing a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. A number of Jasmin’s friends, along with his son, Cove, are mounting a fundraising event to help with Chip’s medical and personal expenses.
The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, August 22, in the Community Room of Hamilton City Hall, 223 S. Second St. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m., starting with a potluck, followed by an evening of music featuring some of western Montana’s best-known musicians, including members of the Big Sky Mudflaps, Shakewell, Three Eared Dog, and many others.
Admission is by donation. The “Chip Jasmin Appreciation Fund” will be administered by the Bitterroot School of Music, a tax-exempt organization, and checks should be made out to the “Bitterroot School of Music” with Chip Jasmin in the memo. Donations may also be sent to the Bitterroot School of Music, 100 Skeels St., Ste A, Hamilton MT 59840.
Through his music, Jasmin shared his love of world cultures and history.
His soothing, melodious voice is familiar to thousands; if they didn’t meet him in a classroom, they heard him playing at public concerts, on the radio, or playing background music at events. They’ve marveled at his instrumental virtuosity, picking up the fiddle, the guitar, the accordion and more, with equal ease, and beating out rhythms on a dazzling variety of percussion instruments.
Now, say his friends, the “Chip Jasmin Appreciation Night” is a time to give back to Chip, in gratitude for his musical gifts.
For more information on the fundraiser, contact Cove Jasmin at (406) 381-6642.
