May, 2007

"Frank Wolking of
Sons and Brothers"

by Webmaster

From the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society News page:

A short time after the Mid-Winter Bluegrass Festival, Frank Wolking, father and leader of Sons and Brothers band, began losing control of his right hand. Fearing a stroke, Frank's doctors ran a series of tests. Unfortunately, the results led to a more grim diagnosis: Frank has cancer of the esophagus, which has spread to his brain.

Many of you who have heard Sons and Brothers perform, and you know Frank and his sons for their powerful harmonies, instrumental prowess, and unique "westgrass" approach to melding bluegrass and western music. Sons and Brothers have won many fans in Colorado, at shows across the country, and even in Scotland and England.

Frank and his wife Val are the emotional and spiritual bedrock of the family. Sons Mike, Aaron, and Joe are the creative drive, and together these young men coaxed their father out of many years of musical "retirement" to begin playing, and ultimately performing, as a family.

Their style is hard-driving, solid, emotional, and honest - both on stage and off. Sons and Brothers is one of the most exciting acts in bluegrass; the Wolkings are the kind of folks you want for neighbors and close friends.

Frank is now fighting for his life. He is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment in an all-out battle against the spreading cancer. Through the grace of God and his own strength and stubbornness, Frank is for the time being still performing with his sons.

While Frank is blessed with a rock-solid family and many, many friends, the Wolkings now have great needs both spiritual and material. Frank doesn't have insurance to cover his medical bills, and as the owner of his own plumbing company, he is also unable to continue to work. The medical costs will be enormous. The family's only income now is from the band.

Frank's brother, Fred Wolking, is organizing a benefit concert for Frank on May 19th, in the Wolking's hometown of Westcliffe. We will be sending out more information in the show in the near future. If you are unable to attend the concert, you can assist the family by sending a donation to a bank account Fred has established in his brother's name:

WMWD Frank Wolking Fund
c/o Colorado Mountain Bank
1000 Main Street
Westcliffe, CO 81212

The Wolkings also appreciate your prayers and best wishes for Frank as he is fighting both the cancer and the very harsh side effects of the chemo and radiation treatment. If you want to contact the Wolkings direct, you can send them an e-mail at sonsandbrothers@centurytel.net. While they may not be able to respond to all e-mails, be assured they tremendously appreciate your encouragement and support.

Frank Wolking Cancer Update

Thanks for visiting AcousticByLines.com.