EIU Media Relations

Friend to Again Honor Former Charleston Resident Through Music

“That’s Goodness” -- the third annual David F. Tanner Benefit Concert for EIU Jazz Studies -- has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, in Eastern Illinois University’s Grand Ballroom, located in the MLK Jr. Union.

Funds generated will become part of the David Frank Tanner/Ronald Eugene Gholson Endowed Fund Celebrating the Goodness of Music, established through the EIU Foundation for the benefit of students participating in EIU's jazz studies program.  Funds will be used for, but are not limited to, the purchase of music, instruments, equipment, performance clothing, etc.; travel for faculty and/or students to competitions, conferences, concerts, etc.; recording of music performances/recitals, etc.; and student scholarships.

Admission to the event, which will feature music by EIU jazz students, the Sawyer Brothers, Moon Dogs, and The Men of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, is $10 for the general public and $5 for students.  Tickets may be purchased in advance at What’s Cookin’ or at the door the night of the performance.

Frank Tanner "lived his all too short life with a heart filled with music," according to close friend Ron Gholson.  “He often said, ‘I wish I could make music.’”

“Here on earth, David never believed or dreamed his life could be celebrated or that it would be celebrated with music just for him,” Gholson continued.

Tanner passed away on Jan. 26, 2009, just four days shy of his 45th birthday.  And Gholson, feeling the need to establish some sort of memorial in honor of his good friend, turned to music.

"I want this fund to help fulfill (Tanner's) dream of making music, that that dream might come to allow others to experience the 'goodness' of music in their lives," Gholson said.  "The dedication of music in his honor and the celebration of his life was never, ever a dream David Tanner dreamed.  Following his death, that celebration became my dream for him."

For information, phone 217-348-0666.