Debrissa McKinney (right) performing with Karl Denson | Photo courtesy facebook.com/debrissa

Debrissa McKinney goes back quite a way with The Roanoke Times. Back when we were doing the late and rarely if ever lamented TimesCast, Debrissa did guest spots for us. We were lucky to have her around, but little did we know she was a talented singer and saxophone player. But it wasn’t long before Asheville, N.C., performer Laura Reed discovered her and took her on the road with her band, Laura Reed and Deep Pocket.

Debrissa moved to Asheville a few years ago, and since then has performed and/or recorded with Josh Phillips Folk Festival, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, George Clinton and more. She has become a beloved and respected figure in Asheville’s vital music scene. And that scene has stayed with her through her recent diagnosis and treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She is doing well now, but now come the medical bills.

Two Asheville-area organizations, H.E.A.L.E. (Heal Everyone and Love Everyone) and DrumSTRONG — the latter of which is a regular at FloydFest — have joined forces to is working to help Debrissa pay those bills. The H.E.A.L.E. Festival, scheduled for Saturday at Avery’s Spring Disc Golf Course, in Arden, N.C., will feature Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Duende Mountain Duo, Secret B-Sides, Kung Fu Dymamite and more.

The free, family friendly show starts at noon and will include a raffle and silent auction. Food and beer will be available.

If you can’t make it, you can send a check made out to HEALE FEST,  via:

HEALE FEST
PO BOX 8051
Asheville, NC 28814