Kerrville musicians drum up support for a friend of the community

Those who know Rick Phipps will be the first to tell you no one would help them more than Phipps. Now Phipps needs some help after fighting COVID-19, resulting in a two-month intensive care unit stay.

The support is being drummed up in the community because Phipps is an accomplished drummer — playing with many Kerr County's bands. So, the bands are getting together to hold a benefit concert on May 28 at Schreiner University's Robbins-Lewis Pavillion.

Dubbed "The Beat Goes On," the fundraiser's musical lineup is:

• Mike Kasberg Band.
• Ray Gutierrez.
• Exit 505 Band.
• Carlos Dan and the Silver Bullets.
• Harry and the Hightones.

Phipps is a prolific volunteer, but the battle with COVID-19 nearly cost him his life.

"Rick went on an annual vacation as he does with his wife, Stella, and he returned home early from that trip unfortunately and went to the hospital in mid-September," explained Misty Erlund, who is helping organize the fundraiser. "(Phipps) was taken to San Antonio for more treatment and over that time period, he was sedated, intubated, and brought back to life to health, you know, and he was taken to a rehab hospital in November and in December, three months later, he was released to go home and begin the rehab process there."

The organizers are still looking for donations and sponsors to help with the event. They have several sponsorship packages available. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/thebeatgoeson2022