

James Casey’s Birthday Benefit Auction and Screening Drive
In loving memory of celebrated saxophonist James Casey, who passed away from early onset colon cancer in 2023, his family announces the inaugural James Casey’s Birthday Benefit auction and screening drive, created in partnership with the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH).

Combining both music and advocacy, much as Casey did, the initiative features a dual charity auction and screening drive, kicking off on James’ birthday, February 4.
The auction features exclusive, one-of-a-kind collectors items generously donated by artists like Trey Anastasio and Dave Matthews. Proceeds from the event will directly support colorectal cancer screening services for uninsured individuals via Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), an organization helping to ensure that more people have access to early detection methods.
Auction highlights include a custom, signed guitar from Dave Matthews; a special VIP package from Trey Anastasio, which includes tickets, access to soundcheck and meet and greet with Anastasio on a date of the winner’s choice during his acoustic tour; and a drumhead signed by Phil Lesh, Casey and other Phil Lesh & Friends band members during the sold-out December 2022 shows at the Warfield in San Francisco. Check out the auction items HERE.
Bidding opens virtually Feb. 25 at 12PM ET and will be available through 8pm ET on March 2.

To cap off the auction, and to kick off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, ABGH will host a virtual webinar and screening drive in honor of Casey’s life and legacy on Sunday, March 2 titled, “Your Health, Your Voice: Knowing the Signs of Colorectal Cancer and Taking Action.”
The event aims to have a real conversation about colorectal cancer trends and risks, especially among young people. The dialogue will feature expert gut health physicians, as well as Casey’s friends and fellow artists – The Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader Louis Cato and Jennifer Jones, the first Black Radio City Music Hall Rockette and colorectal cancer survivor who appeared in Casey’s “New Bloom” music video.
ABGH thought leaders will discuss early screening options, disseminate resources and hold an interactive Q&A. The webinar is free and open to the public, and those in attendance can anonymously submit questions for the panel upon registration.
“Because colon cancer is almost always treatable when caught early, James shared his story in hopes that others might avoid his fate,” his wife Ayla Casey shares.
“Thank you all for the continued support you’ve shown for James and this mission. We hope this initiative will make a positive impact on our community and amplify James’ message as we celebrate his life, music and legacy.”

ABGH and Ayla Casey are grateful for the support of Fight Colorectal Cancer (FightCRC) for helping to spread awareness about this incredible event, and their tireless work in the fight against this disease that is preventable, beatable, and treatable for so many.
To learn more about James Casey, his cancer battle and how it intersected with his musical journey, watch the docu-short Music As Medicine: A James Casey Story and visit his official website www.jamescaseysax.co for music, merch and more.
