Kickin' Cancer

Local musicians rally around Teresa Price for all-day benefit at the VFW

When Teresa Price beat lung cancer two years ago, she and her husband, Tulsa bluesman Lloyd Price, believed the battle was over. However, after a recent string of stutters, spills and stroke-like symptoms, doctors found several inoperable brain tumors in Teresa. Now that she’s reentered the cancer battlefield, Tulsa’s roots music scene wants to help her “Kick Cancer’s Ass.”

“Everyone has played with Lloyd, and everyone knows Teresa,” Wanda Watson, the event’s organizer, said. “They’re just your cool music family.” 

Watson is a close friend of the Prices and a longtime Tulsa musician herself. She met Teresa by playing with Lloyd and instantly found “all the qualities I look for in a friend.” The two take a yearly road trip, driving until they figure out “where [they] want to be.” Their latest trip has been delayed for three years now. Determined to have their runaway weekend again, Watson has assembled some of Tulsa’s most talented musicians for Teresa’s benefit. 

“Artists keep pouring in,” she said, adding that the lineup will mostly be an open jam between local greats. Although Teresa isn’t a musician, Wanda said, “she’s been married to one for 30 years… she’s the oil that keeps the wheel from squeakin’.” At least 23 of Tulsa’s best musicians, including Jimmy Markham, Paul Benjaman, and David Dover, seem to agree. 

Every musician on the bill has worked with Lloyd in some capacity, whether it be performing or recording. 

Steve Pryor has played frequently with Lloyd over the years, and they still ride motorcycles together. Anytime his band gets a big show, Pryor said they “always grab Lloyd” to play guitar.

Pryor told me he couldn’t think of more deserving people to help. “They’re just the greatest people, and I think the world of Teresa Price.”

Watson had wanted to plan a benefit for the Prices, and when she saw a news report on needed repairs at Tulsa’s VFW Post 577, she thought, “Well, here’s another way to give back.” 

The Blues Society of Tulsa hosts a yearly Blues Challenge at the VFW’s upstairs Centennial Lounge. Watson has won the challenge several years, allowing her to travel to Memphis. She feels those trips to Memphis wouldn’t have happened without the VFW’s support and her freedom to play music in general wouldn’t exist without the sacrifices veterans have made. Five dollars of the $25 ticket along with all concession sales will go to the repairs needed at the VFW. 

In addition to music performances from local favorites, the all-day event will feature a silent auction, and other items on sale for Teresa’s benefit. “People don’t take what I say lightly,” Watson told me, and pointed to her overflowing staff of “Wanda-Ful” volunteers as proof. The help she’s received has allowed her to delegate certain tasks, and join the stage on March 5.

As the event approaches, the lineup continues to grow. With the overwhelming support of the music community, Watson remains hopeful that she and Teresa will get back on the road. “I talk to her about it often, as encouragement,” Watson said. 

“Teresa is having the last of her radiation treatments today, and things are looking up,” Lloyd said. “There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for her. We are grateful to everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the event.”

Kickin’ Cancer’s Ass!
Sat., March 5 | 3-11 p.m. | $25
VFW Post 577 | 1109 E. 6th St.

For more from Mitch, read his article on We Make Shapes' debut EP, Penta.