Dayna Stephens Update

Saxophonist/composer Dayna Stephens, who works and has worked with artists such as Linda Oh, Gerald Clayton, Erik Jekabson, Gretchen Parlato and others, issued on one of 2013's more intriguing collections of songs.  "That Nepenthetic Place" (Sunnyside Records) is forceful, melodic, rhythmical, probing and more.  He's got such a sweet tone but can also rise above the rhythm section in a flurry of notes.

It's no secret that Dayna Stephens suffers from a rare kidney disease -  

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis - a disease that him on a waiting list for a new kidney. Needless to say, his medical expenses are quite high.  He has kept quite active as a musician throughout his bout with FSGS.   Here's how you can help and enjoy helping: UPCOMING: Benefit Concert for Dayna Stephens Saturday, September 28th, 2013 | 9:00 & 10:30 PM @ The Jazz Gallery 1160 Broadway, 5th Fl., NYC Produced by the Jazz Gallery with the help of  Pascal Le Boeuf & Linda Oh  Featuring performances by Joe Lovano, Judi Silvano, Donny McCaslin, Mark Turner, Dayna Stephens, Pascal Le Boeuf, Aaron Parks, Linda Oh, Rudy Royston, Becca Stevens and others "A Saxophone Star Ready to Go Nova" - Jerry Karp ( DownBeat Magazine, SF Chronicle, SFweekly & JazzWest.com ) With the help of pianist Pascal Le Boeuf and bassist Linda Oh, the Jazz Gallery will be hosting a concert this Saturday, September 28, to raise funds to assist with Dayna Stephens' kidney related medical expenses.In addition to Stephens, many jazz luminaries such as Joe Lovano, Donny McCaslin, Mark Turner, Becca Stevens and others will be contributing performances.   Internationally renowned for his fluid, vigorous solos and warm, soulful sound; saxophonist Dayna Stephens has also proven himself a master of composition and arrangement, a highly acclaimed band leader and an in-demand side man for contemporary jazz masters such as Kenny Barron, Al Foster and Roy Hargrove. Dayna also has a rare kidney disease called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) which affects 20 out of every million people and is waiting on an urgently needed kidney transplant.  He faces costly anti-rejection medications at a monthly rate of over $4,000 a month for an indefinite time period. 100% of all proceeds raised will go directly to Dayna Stephens.  If you are unable to attend you can still donate through www.helpdaynastephens.org Please come out for a deeply meaningful evening of music from a community of musicians who want to make a difference.