Keith Prater and his wife Sheila at Keith’s benefit show in Greenup, KY (2/7/26)
This past weekend, multiple bands and a completely packed house of friends and music lovers came together at the Pump House in Greenup, Kentucky, to support Keith Prater and help ease the burden of overwhelming medical bills.
The evening was filled with wonderful music from regional bands like 23 South, the Evans Brothers (sons of the late Dave Evans), Rounders Station, Charlie Woods and Deep Hollow, and Keith Prater and Lacy Creek. Various musicians from the crowd also appeared on stage to sing or play a tune. A particular highlight of the evening was seeing Donald Prater, Keith’s father, play a tune on stage with his son.
Several music event promoters from around the region attended and supported the cause monetarily, including Richard Lewis, of the West Union, Ohio festival SkinnyFest; Rick Green, of Piketon, Ohio’s Route 23 Festival; and Sleepy Porter, promoter for Olive Hill, Kentucky’s Orange Army Bluegrass Festival. Prater shared that several others who could not attend in person due to inclement weather also sent financial support and their best wishes. “I was surprised to get several cards and letters from friends and family this week after the event,” he said.
Gary York, longtime bluegrass supporter and super-fan also told me that several people associated with Rudyfest, in Morehead, KY, attended and helped out. Rudy Burchett even donated the use of equipment to assist with clearing the venue’s snow-packed hillside, and Tom Carper and others made sure the attendees had a clear pathway.
The crowd roared when the winner of the 50/50 drawing was announced. Keith’s friend and fellow musician Jason King won and donated his entire winnings, over $500 in total, back to helping the cause. Friends like Cathy Hill and Cristie Briscoe also put together and donated auction items such baskets of baked goods, Valentine’s Day-themed gifts, and music memorabilia. Anthony “Slim” Littleton donated a picnic table, and others folks, like Seth Carkeek, donated musical instruments and event tickets that were auctioned. In all, Prater received several thousand dollars from the event.
Before the event concluded’ Prater was asked if he would like to say a few words, but became emotional and was nearly unable to speak. Sleepy Porter, who was on stage with him at the time, stated that he didn’t need to say anything at all, and perfectly captured what so many in attendance were thinking – that it’s clear from the event, everybody loves Keith Prater. When asked later about what he thought about the turnout, the stunned Prater replied, “I didn’t know I knew this many people!”
I caught up with Prater just yesterday, and he asked me to share his sincere gratitude from him and his entire family.
“There isn’t a way that I could tell you just how much I appreciate each and every person who has helped me,” he said. “My bluegrass family is truly great.” After spending much of last year and a half dealing with medical issues, Prater is back playing music this year, and added that anyone who wanted to help support him could do so by booking his band, Lacy Creek. “I’m excited to be back out on the road and at festivals this year!” he shared.
