Benefit Concert For OH Singer To Feature Cold Play's Chris Martin

CLEVELAND, OH — More than 25 musicians from around the country will come together Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 to present “A Love Song for Hal,” a live-streamed benefit concert that will raise money to support beloved Ohio musician, Hal Walker, in his battle with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Among the performers will be Chicago multi-instrumentalist Eric Noden, Massachusetts guitarist and singer Tracy Grammer, and special guest Chris Martin of Coldplay.

A portion of the funds raised will also go to support the Open Medicine Foundation in its desperately needed ME/CFS research.

ME/CFS is a complex/multi-system disease that is life-altering and highly debilitating. According to the CDC, it is estimated that up to 2.5 million Americans (20 million worldwide) suffer from ME/CFS. Yet, ME/CFS has historically been one of the lowest funded diseases by the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Before this illness rendered him almost entirely bedbound and in need of full-time care, Hal Walker taught thousands of Ohio children to play the harmonica, directed the Summit Children’s choir, curated the Cuyahoga Valley Concert Series, and in so many ways inspired children and adults to make and celebrate music.

“It’s been devastating to watch Hal’s health decline so rapidly, and to watch the huge loss he’s facing as he doesn’t have the strength to make music,” said long-time friend and concert organizer, David Ford. “We certainly want to raise money for Hal’s care, but it’s also so important to raise awareness about this brutal illness. It has wreaked havoc on Hal’s life, and we want to support more research and understanding.”

Performers for this event include: Joe Crookston, Evie Ladin, Moira Smiley, Jayme Stone, Tracy Grammer, Peter & Mary Alice Amidon and many more. The full list of contributing musicians can be found at ALoveSongForHal.com.

The virtual event will take place on multiple streaming platforms. (YouTube, Facebook, Nugs) Register for this free event at www.ALoveSongForHal.com and visit Hal’s GoFundMe page at this link.