Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Master flute maker and player Louie Webster has suffered several strokes since November. He is in recovery and rehab right now, but his doctors say his full recovery will take some time. In response to Louie's hard times, many of his friends have organized a benefit for Louie and his family.

The benefit concert will be held on Thursday, January 16th, 2003 at 7pm in the theater atthe Norbert Hill Center in Oneida Wisconsin. The Norbert Hill Center is located at the corners of State Highway 54 and Seminary Road in Oneida, Wisconsin. Among Louie's friends who are scheduled to appear and perform that night are:

The Smokey Town Singers from the Menominee Reservation; Louie's group, "Little Big Band" Skenandored Skenandore, Randy Schumacher, John Obermiller and Jim Cassero; The Wolf River Band from the Menominee Reservation; renowed poet, Eddie Tworivers; Wade Fernandez with his group, Legacy; The Flying Feather Blues Band featuring Richie Plass, Waubano and Rick "Crow" King from Warren, Ohio; Rod Skenandore; Fred Miller with Norm Ried; folk musician Skip Jones; and flute players Dennis Hawk and Michael Jones.

There will be a silent auction during the evening's event with a painting from Oneida artist, Scott Hill, autographed pictures and CD from Branscombe Richmond (who played Bobby Sixkiller on the TV show, Renegade), autographedCD's from awarad winning singer Storm Seymour from Tama, Iowa, an autographed silk tie and personal note from Grammy Award winning Bluegrass Flat top guitar player, Tony Rice, American Indian Arts of Madison, WI., along with more items to be announced as the show date gets closer.

Organizer, Jim Stevens says this benefit and gathering of his friends are their way of showing honor and gratitude to Louie in his time of need. "Louie's music and life have touched many people for many years. His road to recovery will be a long, hard time for Louie and his family, but we hope that this show will give them some needed assistance in their time of need."

Brian Doxtator of the Oneida nation will serve as the master of ceremonies. Admission will be $15.the door with the slient auction to run until about 10:30pm. The show is planned to run from 7 to 11pm.

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation for Louie and his family, you can do so by sending a check, money order or credit card number to: "The Oneida Nation Arts Program, P.O. Box 365, Oneida, Wisconson, 54155, attention: Beth Bashara, Director.

Please mark your calendars for this event. Louie is a valued member of the Native American music, entertainment and arts scene across America. The performers scheduled to appear this night will ensure Louie's spirit and motivation continue.

For more information send e-mail to: Jaws1000@aol.com