Benefit for Mick Vranich on Saturday

Those who know Mick Vranich, whether through his Word Band, his books of poetry, his spoken word performances, or through the private gallery space he runs with his wife Sherry Hendrick, know he is a kind and gentle person who's not easily forgotten. But now is an especially important time to remember the countercultural fixture: He needs help.

We recently learned that Vranich took a pretty bad fall on a construction site, suffering a head injury, a punctured lung and two broken vertebrae. Needless to say, we doubt that Vranich or Hendrick have much in the way of health insurance. This means they'll have to rely on community support instead.

Hence the fundraiser announced for tomorrow night, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-3830. Expect an evening of art, raffles, music, auctions and, of course, poetry. If you can't make the fundraiser, we hear you can send checks to him care of the Old Miami.

Get well soon, Mick.