Come Together on May 10 for Michael Dean Damron

Michael Dean Damron has been a friend, a voice for social justice and a huge part of Portland’s music scene for decades. Now he needs our help, and we have the chance to show him our appreciation. Join us at Come Together, 8 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at the Star Theater in Portland.

By Claire Levine

Michael Dean Damron used to be a boxer, first in the U.S. Army and later as an amateur in Las Vegas. When he started a band in 2001, he brought that fighting spirit along into his music.

He named the group I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House, inspired by boxing champ John L. Sullivan’s declaration about his own fighting abilities.

Mike’s feistiness was always channeled toward injustice. But there was much more to him than his righteous anger at what he saw in the world and his immense musical talent.

His friend Mole Harris wrote:

“We all know him as a great friend, a close confidant, an inspiring and passionate songwriter and performer, and one of the most unique musical voices that Portland has ever had. He’s helped so many get their musical start in this town, and when other musicians in our scene have faced a crisis like this in the past, Mike has often been at the forefront of organizing and playing benefit shows on their behalf.”

So, Mike’s many other friends are working with the Jeremy Wilson Foundation to make sure Mike has the help he needs now.

I Can Lick Any SOB in the House
L-R: Flapjack Texas - drums; David Lipkind - harmonica; Michael Dean Damron - vocals/guitar; Mole Harris - bass; Jon Burbank - lead guitar.

Cirrhosis and liver cancer.  In February, Mike was preparing to resurrect his iconic band, I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House, with the first live performance in years. After he started experiencing a variety of troubling symptoms, he was diagnosed with cirrhosis. Within a short time, the doctors found that he also had liver cancer.

Unable to work or even to do many basic tasks, Mike needed quite a bit of help. At that time, The Jeremy Wilson Foundation started an Artist Relief Campaign, a tool designed for people in the music  industry who need more financial help than the foundation’s regular grants can provide.  

The community stepped up and quickly contributed more than $15,000 of the $20,000 goal.

Come Together on May 10. Today, Mike’s friends know that he will need more physical, emotional and financial help than expected. They are planning a special benefit concert on May 10 at the Star Theater. Tickets are on a sliding scale, so no one is priced out of coming.

The event promises to be a grand tribute to Mike’s music and his giant, caring personality. Performers include members of I Can Lick Any SOB in the House, with original bass player Dewey Nielson sitting in to sing in Mike’s place. Other  mainstays of the music community will lend their voices: Hillstomp, Lewi Longmire; Jerry Joseph; Fernando, with Dan Eccles; Little Sue Weaver; Kris Stewart; and Jeremy Wilson.

Benji and Mike

The JWF Artist Relief Campaigns. Mike’s friends asked The Jeremy Wilson Foundation to spearhead this fundraising effort, as the foundation’s approach has many benefits over other web-based crowdfunding platforms.

First, contributions to the JWF are fully tax deductible. In addition, grants from the foundation don’t count as income. Funds are paid directly to the sources of the patient’s bills, such as medical providers, landlords and merchants, rather than to the patient. This means the grant money cannot be considered income. It does not contribute to annual earnings for tax purposes, nor does it interfere with eligibility for means-tested government benefits like state-funded health insurance or food assistance.

Mike thanks you for your help. During this very difficult time, Mike has told his friends that he is extremely grateful for the community’s contributions. In keeping with Mike’s spirit of community, his friends are looking forward to seeing you all at the Come Together event on May 10.

If you aren’t able to attend, please consider making a gift  to Mike’s Artist Relief Campaign.   

Mike appreciates your generosity and knowing you’re on his side.