PETERSBURG, NY – Black Friday is normally a busy day for shoppers to spend their money on holiday gifts at a store but for Petersburg resident and musician, Deb Cavanaugh, the unofficial start to Christmas shopping for her was spent at Albany Medical Center undergoing a 10-hour-long surgery to repair her ribs.
At her Petersburg residence Friday, November 29, 2024, Cavanaugh accidentally stepped into an open trap, causing her to fall 12 feet onto the ground and landing on her back. The serious fall caused Cavanaugh to break her sternum and 12 ribs. Eight of Cavanaugh’s ribs were broken in more than one place.
Due to the severity of her injury, Cavanaugh was rushed to Albany Medical Center where she underwent a “rib plating” surgery to repair her ribs with metal.
Cavanaugh, who teaches Music Together classes for families with young children in both Delmar and Troy, is not able to earn a living teaching students or perform her original music currently until she is cleared by her doctors and makes a full recovery.
Cavanaugh says that she is getting stronger every day and expects to return to work in the music field by mid to late March.
Musicians to the Rescue
When Cavanaugh’s friend and musician, Niki Kaos, first heard about the accident, Kaos was concerned for her friend, as she knew first-hand that Cavanaugh makes her living as a full-time musician and music educator. Also, Cavanaugh would need additional income to pay for her living and medical expenses.
Thus, a benefit event for Cavanaugh came to fruition.
“When I heard of Deb’s accident, I was very concerned because I know she makes her living as a full-time musician and music educator. Erin Powers, a fellow local musician, reached out to me about organizing a benefit, so I jumped into action.” Kaos said. “Deb’s music career has been an inspiration to me; I wanted to give back.”
A benefit event for Deb Cavanaugh will be held Sunday, Jan. 26 at The Hangar on The Hudson (675 River Street, Troy, NY), with doors opening at 2 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Anthill Annihilator (a band fronted by Cavanaugh’s grandson, Taran Alexander-Newton Quebsgrepski-Something IX), Girl Love, Off The Record, Sawyer Fredericks, and Dandelion Wine All Stars. There will be a $20 suggested donation at the door, with some of the proceeds to help Cavanaugh pay her bills while she is out of work.
The time frame for the music is planned between 2:30-6:30 p.m., according to Kaos.
Prior to the event organizing, Kaos reached out to Cavanaugh first to make sure no one else was doing a benefit event. Kaos then asked her who she thought would be perfect for the show. She didn’t need to put out a call for musicians’ participation, since all the musicians that Kaos asked wanted to pitch in and help out with the show.
In addition to the artists on the roster, several of Cavanaugh’s friends, including Girl Love, Anders Johnansson, Deb Cavanaugh and Dandelion Wine band member and drummer, Andy DeBell, and former band member, Shows Leary, will cover several of Cavanaugh’s original songs.
Although Cavanaugh won’t be able to perform at the benefit, she will be attending Sunday’s event. Cavanaugh is honored that Kaos was putting on this event for her.
Kaos and Cavanaugh’s Friendship
Deb Cavanaugh and Niki Kaos’ friendship began when Kaos’ son, Lee, began taking music lessons in Cavanaugh’s Music Together classes as a toddler. The ladies became friends and over time, bonded over song writing and their shared experience of being women in a sometimes-challenging music industry. Kaos later took part in several of Cavanaugh’s songwriting circles and briefly played drums in Dandelion Wine.
What will Cavanaugh do post-recovery?
Once Cavanaugh fully recovers, she plans on going back to her normal schedule of classes. In addition to her Music Together classes, she will begin teaching a music class for toddlers at both Caffe Lena and Spencertown Academy.
For those who are not able to attend Sunday’s benefit event but wish to support Cavanaugh in her healing and her music, can donate directly to the “Help Deb Cavanaugh Heal and Continue Music” GoFundMe link, https://gofundme/4d62c9ca .
To learn more about Deb Cavanaugh and learn about her classes, go online to her website links, www.deb-cavanaugh.com, www.heldebergmusic.com, and https://debcavanaugh.bandcamp.com .
