In recent times, the media has flooded our televisions, magazines, and internet with the story of Michael Jackson’s passing.  We couldn’t get away from all of the press.  And common folks, like most of us, rallied around this icon to show our support.  But for the most part, none of us actually knew Michael Jackson.  The majority of us could not call him our friend.  But the need was there for thousands of people to flood to his Neverland Ranch, the cemetery, and to attend the memorial service at the Staples Center.  It made them feel better to do so, even though most pop icons, rock stars, etc., rarely let fans get close to them.

We all have come to know how different the smooth jazz world can be.  Our favorite artists are much more accessible.  They spend enormous amounts of time at meet and greet sessions getting to know the fans.  They even incorporate the fans into their world by having them run fan clubs, web sites, and write their newsletters.  These are very different people from those in the pop/rock/rap/country world.  And when they need our support, we are there in so many ways.

Many of you attend Acoustic Alchemy concerts and know the band.  They travel across the Pond each year to take on American soil and grace us with their music.  They’ve played on several smooth jazz cruises and spent so much time with fans.  Recently, a tragic accident struck the Acoustic Alchemy family.  Dianne Grainger, the 25 year old daughter of drummer, Greg Grainger, niece of bassist, Gary Grainger, and fiance’ of keyboardist Fred White, passed on after an unforeseen incident.  The family was devastated.  How does one go on after losing a young family member?  While the family struggled with their own grief, the community rallied around them.  The outpouring of e-mails and Facebook messages to the family and band members was enormous.  A jam session was organized by various members of the jazz community and raised over $11,000 for the Grainger family.  This is how our community works.

Because of the accessibility these artists allow us, we become part of their family.  We cheer them on; we celebrate along with them; and we hurt when they hurt.  We at SmoothViews did not know Diane personally.  We have seen her at AA concerts and other events sponsored by Grainger, Greg and Gary’s own band.  The Grainger family is a staple in the DC/Baltimore region and the talented local community stepped up.  Once the word went out about this tragedy, the local community answered the call without even being asked.  And many people didn’t even need to know Dianne personally.  Through the Acoustic Alchemy bonding, we felt that need to support them and their family. 

We’d like to take this time to honor Dianne Grainger, this up and coming musician in her own right and extend our condolences to the Grainger and Acoustic Alchemy families.  And to the entire smooth jazz world, thank you all for supporting our artists in all possible ways.