Blackhawk performs on the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park in Downtown Nashville during the 2006 CMA Music Festival. Photo Provided by the Country Music Association
Sept. 3, 2008 — Three well-established bands with a backlog of hits — Little Texas, BlackHawk and Restless Heart — have worked the road as a team this year on the Triple Threat Tour, and when the cast hits Spokane, Wash., on Sept. 21, the concert will serve as a benefit in honor of one of BlackHawk’s founders.
Van Stephenson — who played guitar for BlackHawk and co-wrote such Restless Heart titles as "Bluest Eyes In Texas" and "Big Dreams In A Small Town" — died of skin cancer in April 2001. BlackHawk has honored his memory annually by trying to raise money for cancer charities, and the Spokane show will be augmented by a dinner and auction, with all funds slated for the Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund.
"This year, Van's charity was dealt a small setback," BlackHawk vocalist Henry Paul notes. "With [keyboard player] Dave Robbins’ departure from the band, a significant effort was put into reforming the group so that BlackHawk could go forward. This pushed our charity effort back a spot, but with the group back in full swing an all out effort is being waged this fall to reach our annual goal."
The Spokane auction and dinner marks the first time they’ve enlisted other groups to help out, and it’s also the first auction and dinner they’ve held west of the Mississippi.
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