Longtime Minnesota blues band faces uncertainty after frontman suffers stroke
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
The future of Minnesota blues mainstay Lamont Cranston Band is in flux as its frontman faces a health crisis.
Pat “Lamont” Hayes had a stroke earlier in December. Hayes is the lead singer, guitarist and harpist for the blues band, which has been active since 1969 and has played at venues across the country.
“It’s definitely a strain. Everybody’s wondering what to do and what we should do,” Rico Anderson, who manages the band, told MPR News guest host Emily Reese.
Anderson started a fundraiser to help Hayes’ family with medical bills and expenses. There will also be a show Friday, Dec. 27 at Blues Saloon in St. Paul as a part of the effort — a show which was meant to be a solo show for Hayes.
Anderson said he’ll need to take some time to figure out what’s next for the band.
“It’ll be a month or so to sort some of that out — to start getting a plan of action.”
To hear the full interview with Rico Anderson, click play on the audio player above.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.