Pittsburgh-area musicians join forces at Moondog's to 'Rock for Brooks'
When your child is sick, your world stops.
Ronald Esser knows that.
His son James was born at 2 pounds, 10 ounces, spent 77 days in the hospital and underwent five surgeries before he turned 5.
So when Esser, owner of Moondog’s in Blawnox for the past 31 years, was asked to host an event to raise money for a musician whose son is ill, he didn’t think twice.
“I immediately said ‘yes’,” said Esser, who himself is battling throat cancer. “When your kid is suffering, there is nothing worse.”
Moondog’s will be the site for “Rock for Brooks,” a jam session, for musicians to come together from 2- 6 p.m. Feb. 16. The event will help raise money for 9-month-old Brooks, the son of well-known Pittsburgh guitarist Ian Arthurs and his wife Aimee of Mt. Lebanon.
Since birth Brooks has been in and out of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville and spends several days a week at doctors’ appointments because he has many medical issues, said organizers of the event.
“Ian is a great dude,” said Esser of Frazer. “And I know how important it is to have support when your child isn’t feeling well. The more support you have, the more hope you have. You look at your tiny baby, and you need that hope. Today, my son is healthy, and he’s my pride and joy. During his illnesses I learned how resilient children are and going through what he went through has made him stronger.”
Some of the musicians expected to perform are Lou Ross, Will Franklin, Steve Delach, George Elliot, Amanda Hertweck, Mary Lou Scherder, Cherylann Hawk, Sal Monteverde, Phil Vento, The Nieds Hotel Band, Matt Barranti Band, Soulful Femme, Tina Daniels, Jim and Jeannie from Shot O’Soul, George Lisac, Cheryl Rinovato, David Granati and Billy Price.
The idea for the event came from Ross, who asked the Arthurs for their blessing. They eventually agreed to let it happen, Ross says.
Ian Arthurs says they felt uncomfortable putting themselves out there, and that spending so much time in a hospital you see others who are in far worse positions.
“We have incredible friends,” he says. “This means everything to us. The arts community is amazing, and we plan to pay it forward.”
Brooks is improving, he says. It’s been a brutal nine months, but when mom and dad see him smile it’s all worth it.
“We can tell he wants to be a happy baby,” Ian Arthurs says.
It’s been a challenging time because both are self-employed and they’ve missed a lot of work. Aimee Arthurs owns The Pottery Place in the South Park Shops
“We can’t say enough how lucky we are to have so many people around us who care,” Ian Arthurs says.
Brooks has been very ill since birth, says Ross of Brighton Heights, who owns the Pittsburgh Drum Exchange in McKees Rocks. “And Ian and Aimee have missed so much work having to take him to and from so many doctors’ appointments, and he has spent so much time in the hospital.
“We know we can’t help him medically, but we hope we can alleviate some of the financial burden,” Ross said. “We hope to give them bags of money.”
Wanting to help is in the blood of musicians, says John Vento of West Deer, who plays with the Nieds Hotel Band. The arts community has a special bond that transcends their love of music, he says.
“All of the musicians are donating their time,” Vento says. “I believe the arts community has an appreciation and respect for each other, and they want to help each other. Ian Arthurs is one of the most truly respected guitarists in this city. He and his wife and Brooks need our help, and we want to be there for this family.”
Moondog’s is located at 378 Freeport Road, Blawnox.
A $20 donation is suggested.
Details: 412-828-2040 or moondogs.us/events
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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