With a goal of raising money for cancer research, accomplished trumpeters and brass musicians from around the world will take the stage at the Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center on Wednesday, March 4, to play a benefit concert in support of Ryan Anthony, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s principal trumpet player. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to Baylor Health Care System Foundation and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. 

Performing trumpeters will include Doc Severinsen, Arturo Sandoval, Lee Loughnane from the band Chicago and former band members of Canadian Brass. Ryan Anthony will be performing with the all-star lineup of musicians. A full listing of the performing musicians is attached.

At 43-years of age, Ryan was widely regarded as one of America’s premier brass musicians when he was diagnosed in late 2012 with Multiple Myeloma, a terminal cancer of the bone marrow that most often appears in patients 70 and older. Multiple Myeloma was once considered a death sentence with a life span of three to five years.  While the cancer is still considered incurable and terminal, recent, rapid advances in research have greatly extended the life span of newly diagnosed patients and hope for a cure is a real possibility. 

After his diagnosis, Ryan immediately began therapy at Baylor’s Charles A Sammons Cancer Center, including a stem cell transplant performed in Spring 2013. When he was diagnosed Ryan’s goal was to survive long enough to see his children, then just 6 and 11-years-old, graduate from high school.  But, because he has responded so well to his treatment and is in complete remission, Ryan and his wife Niki decided to invite his brass peers to hold a concert to raise awareness and money to further the research that helped give the family a hope for a future.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by my friends and fellow musicians,” said Ryan. “Instead of dwelling on the diagnosis, it’s better to rally around the fight against cancer that so many people in our community face each day. I pray the funds raised by the benefit concert will help to ultimately find a cure not just for Multiple Myeloma, but for all other types of cancer.”

While musicians across America are rallying around the benefit concert, well-known civic and philanthropic leaders are also lending their support and efforts. Diane and Joel Allison and Diane and Hal Brierley are serving as Honorary Chairs for the concert while D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock are serving as Event Chairs. Mickey and Bill Lively are serving as Special Event Advisors.

“The brave approach Ryan Anthony has taken in his fight with cancer is inspiring,” said Bill Lively, Cancer Blows Special Event Advisor and one of Dallas’ most accomplished philanthropists. “With this all-star lineup of our nation’s best brass musicians, I am confident it will inspire the generosity of our community to support our cause with their donations and prayers.”

For more information about the concert, including ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.CancerBlows.com.