By Evan Rowe
Local musician Dave Shelley, who sings and plays guitar and percussion, usually with his band Bluestone, has cancer and is flying out to California for treatment.
He and his supporters have set up a GoFundMe page dedicated to helping cover his medical expenses. The page explains that he was diagnosed one hour after being offered a record deal -- and that, tragically, the deal was rescinded once it was known he was sick.
"David started his career in the late 80's, he had many memorable appearances and have created an array of great tunes, and most recently 2 albums with his band Bluestone. In 2014 he finally had the opportunity to sign with a record label, and change his continued struggle as a musician to a more financial stable future. He received his Cancer diagnosis ONE HOUR after receiving the record label offer, after being in the business for almost 30 years. Timing is everything, and timing was not on David's side. David had surgery, removed the cancer and went on a strict regime. The record deal never happened, as the word spread that David was sick. It was devastating to him and to the band who thought their break was finally happening."
Shelley's grandpa was a blues songwriter and his mother, Martha Stewart, a jazz singer. According to his band bio, "David played percussion with jazz fusion artist Randy Bernsen and was guitarist, singer and songwriter with reggae band T'shan." Shelley opened for The Clash and The Kinks and played the MTV Music Awards. He's also done some acting --- no surprise, given his flowing blond locks and handsome visage.
Shelley has also worked with a lot of Native American groups and headlines the Riverwalk Blues Festival in Fort Lauderdale.
To donate to his medical fund or find more info, check his gofundme page.
Sheeley said he expects to be at the Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton this Sunday for a farewell show. The venue is scheduled to hold an after party that night for the Sunshine Music & Blues Festival.
Get well soon, Dave!
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