The creative community comes together to support local muralist and musician Kenny McBride during his treatment for a rare form of bone cancer.
McBride and his wife Anna, co-owners of McBride Arts, have helped create more than 50 public art and mural projects in Long Beach and the Southern California region since the company opened in 2014.
McBride’s works include the mural “Love Beyond Borders” at George Washington Middle School and the mural on Edison Elementary School’s pedestrian bridge over 7th Street and the 710 Freeway.
But McBride, who is also a musician, will soon have to essentially isolate himself while he undergoes intensive treatment for his myelofibrosis diagnosis, according to a recent press release.
McBride is currently seeking a bone marrow transplant to treat a rare form of bone cancer. This would require months in the hospital and isolation and cost over $400,000, according to his GoFundMe page.
“(The treatment) will essentially destroy his immune system and replace it with a new one,” the press release said. “During this process, which could take six months, he will be completely cut off from the world and will no longer be able to work or hug his wife.”
Several local community leaders have joined forces to raise money to support McBride during the trial.
The event, a benefit concert called “I Saved Kenny,” begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 5 at DiPiazza’s Restaurant, 5205 Pacific Coast Highway.
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All proceeds from advance sales and box office tickets went directly to McBride, the press release said.
The event will feature several local bands, including Plasma Pool, of which McBride is currently a member.
Plasma Pool was the idea of McBride and his friend Jack Mantych, the press release said. The pair also formed the band Circus Maximus in their early years after high school, but reunited years later and formed Plasma Pool.
“It has been one of life’s greatest treasures to not only have a friend in Jack,” McBride said in the press release, “but to share the same dream twenty years later. It feels so special and rare that I honor every note we play together.”
Other bands, including Hamapple and One Square Mile (1SM), will also headline the benefit concert.
“We’re excited to be back at DiPiazza to support a great cause,” said Mike Woods, Hamapple’s lead singer. “We’re always willing to help. That’s what helps build a community and a strong music scene.”
Several people involved in the event, including local bands and the owner of DiPiazza, donated their time to support the benefit concert.
“To be honest, it’s a little overwhelming (to receive so much support from the community),” McBride said. “I’ve lived in Long Beach for about 10 years and have always felt at home here – but to see this kind of generosity is just beautiful.”
Tickets for McBride’s benefit concert are available online at tinyurl.com/px3h63t5. A $10 donation in advance at the door is also appreciated.
To donate directly to McBride, visit his GoFundMe page: gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-kenny-mcbride.
