Stand By Me....A Beautiful Video For An Amazing Lady!

Recently....a dear friend of many has fallen upon hard times. She has been completely renounced by her family and now....has only the support of her friends.

Let me tell you a bit about her.

Her name is Benedetta Balistrieri and I first met her while loading in for a gig with a band I was producing at that time. Benny (as her friends call her), was one of the most beautiful women I had seen in my life. This little lady ran one of the most prominent venues for developing music in the United States. Through the doors of The Scene in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, flowed the essence of what would become the greatest and most historic bands in the world; long before Woodstock or The Monterey Pop Festival. From Jimi Hendrix to Cream to Mountain and everything in between were helped along their way by the generous nature of Benedetta Balistrieri. Benny was always there for an advance so the musicians could pay their hotel rooms or just provide gas for their vans full of equipment to the next job. Benny was always available for a touch. There are many of us who will never forget that.

Now....times are a lot different. A series of bad marriages, family disputes and poor choices have left this wonderful girl in dire straights. What is amazing though is the fact that Benny's friends are popping up all over the world with help and support.

Today, I received a video from one of Benny's most staunch allies. Kate Teipel sent this video of the song "Stand By Me" as performed simultaneously by musicians from around the world. A more fitting stance could not have been provided. For this, we thank Kate most profusely.

All we ask is that as you view this video, you think good thoughts and prayers for our dear friend and compatriot for many years. I know she will appreciate your kindness. The universe works in strange ways.

This is a lady who did more in her own way to help new music along the road than most record companies ever did.

Please send us your thoughts via blupwr@sbcglobal.net and we will make sure Benny receives them in good order.

Here's the link to the video....Stand By Me

Best wishes to you all....
John Rhys/BluePower.com