MUSIC . Music Picks

Zan Gardner

Sun., April 15, 4 p.m., The Mermaid Inn, 7673 Winston Road.


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Published: Apr 10, 2007

blues/jazz/benefit

"I've decided I've got a whole village inside me now!" says vocalist Zan Gardner, marveling over her sudden intimate connection to anonymous donors. A fall back in December left her with both shoulder joints squashed, and the reconstruction process included cadaver bone and blood transfusions, and yes, much ongoing pain. But Gardner chooses instead to marvel over the generosity of the strangers who give their bones and blood, the "angels" who looked after her in ortho-rehab when she was helpless, and good musical friends who volunteer their time. "I don't cry, but I can't think about [the upcoming benefit] without welling up." She is especially grateful to bluesman Randy Lippincott for dreaming it up. Gardner has had dual jazz and blues careers for almost two decades now, but it's the blues side taking over the Mermaid Inn for Gardner. "[The fall] didn't hurt my vocal cords!" she chortles. Gardner's rehearsed several numbers with Lava Blue — and she hopes she'll be able to keep in tears of gratitude while singing. Her old colleague from No Alibi Blues Band, Carol Moog, will be there, along with the Dukes of Destiny and a host of others.

Sun., April 15, 4 p.m., $20, with Lava Blue, The Randy Lippincott Band, The Dukes of Destiny and cameo appearances by Sister Blue, Mark Furman, Paul Michael, Pete Eshelman, members of Stevie and the Bluescasters and Carol Moog, The Mermaid Inn, 7673 Winston Road, 215-247-9797, www.themermaidinn.net.