Connors gets by with a little help from his friends

The man who helped many local musicians present their music to Sarnia-Lambton is getting a little help from his musical friends.

Steve Dumont of Playfair Music is organizing a fundraiser for long-time DJ, musician and motorcycle driver Gary Connors.

Connors, who is likely best known as the morning show host at CHOK Radio and The Eagle, was recently diagnosed with the advanced stages of lung cancer. Dumont says now he is in treatment but his friends are worried his health and his finances.

So Dumont has organized a benefit for Connors, Sept. 1 at the Polish Hall in Sarnia. It will be a celebration with musicians lining up to be a part of the music-based event.

“Most times Gary was the very first DJ to spin a record when at the corporate radio stations you couldn’t get past the front desk,” says Dumont adding Connors asked him to be part of a show which featured new local talent while he was hosting the morning show at The Eagle.

Dumont says part the reason for the help was Connors love of music. He’s played in several bands over the years including most recently the Southern Funk Experience.

“There are a lot of musicians who have stepped up to the plate for this fundraiser.”

Dumont says part of the reason for that is Connors would give musicians a helping hand. But he says people want to help simply because they like him. “He’s just a really nice guy, really down to earth, he’s not a poser. He wears everything on his sleeve and he’s a straight up guy,” says Dumont. “I like to say he’s my favourite lovable idiot.”

While his friends are excited to help, Dumont admits Connors wasn’t really enthused about the idea. “I told him I didn’t care if he hated me, I was going to do it, says Dumont noting there is a real need to help.

Connors may have to pay up to $1,000 per treatment and without good benefits, that gets expensive. “We hope to raise enough money so he does not have to worry about finances from now till Christmas,” he says.

“It is not hard to watch your life savings to be dwindle and be gone…last thing his family and friends would want would be for him to be turning down treatment.”

Dumont says the Sept. 1 event starts at noon with music starting at 1 pm. Some of the performers include Scott Manery and the Barnburners, Shelly Rastin and Mike Stevens.

“It’s going to be an upbeat celebration of all the great things he’s done and a bit of a thank you to Gary for all the things he’s done.”

For more information or tickets you can call 519-330-2651.