Local musicians perform in benefit for Big Larry Williams

Larry Williams has a lot of friends on the music scene. He's worked with musicians from Buddy Guy to B.B. King, from Les Lindy to Bruce Zimmerman.

Williams, better known as Big Larry, also has a lot of medical bills stemming from a fall during the 2008 ice storm and complications from cancer surgery. His local buddies have organized a benefit for him, featuring an appearance from Big Larry himself.

The organizers hope the benefit can curb bills from a three-month hospital stay earlier in the year. The American Legion hall in Jackson, where the benefit will be held, will open at 6 p.m. and music will start at 7. A silent auction featuring items like a Jasmine guitar and assorted musical gear will be open for bidding from 6 to 9 p.m.

Doug and Danny Rees and friends and Bruce Zimmerman and the Water Street band are the main acts with Big Larry making three scheduled appearances behind the mic.

Doug Rees, who credits Big Larry as a friend, teacher and inspiration, helped organize the Big Benefit. He said Big Larry is liable to just get up with everyone to sing.

"He loves what he does," Rees said about the 81-year-old blues singer from Carbondale, Ill. "I'm sure he'll do a set with a throw-together band."

Rees said that the crowd will have as many musicians as the stage.

"He's got a great following. All the musicians over here have worked with him at some time," Rees said. He said Big Larry has shared a stage with an "endless" list of people.

Rees said convincing people to help organize, play on stage and come has been easy.

"He's just done so much for everyone else," Rees said.

Big Larry has inspired, taught and played with so many musicians, Rees said they jumped at the chance to help him.

Tickets for the Big Benefit are $15 at the door. The American Legion will sell alcohol. No coolers will be allowed.