Jason Kabler sings to benefit others

Bad news on a birthday led to a mission for Jason Kabler, a Greencastle native and Tennessee musician. On May 29, 2011, he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, and spent a week in the hospital. After discharge he contacted the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, offering to help the organization. It was dedicated to funding scientific research for a cure to the two diseases, as well as to improve the quality of life of the affected population. He was signed as a spokesman, and performed at benefit concerts in Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga. Knoxville has been added to the list for another series.

Kabler, now 38, manages his condition with medication and diet. He is also at risk for colon cancer, especially since his mother died of that. He appreciates the opportunity to be a voice for CCFA.

"It makes me feel better, to help other people in the same boat."

He will be back in the area to raise money for CCFA. Unique Bar and Grill in Blue Ridge Summit will sponsor an event, beginning at 6 p.m. Feb. 9.

"They always support some charity. This year they chose us. All year people donate money in a drop ceiling, and they match the amount."

His friends Jeff Swope and Rich Fehle will open the show for him.

The music business

Kabler is putting together an eighth CD. He thinks his song "Spin" is the best he's ever written. He also recorded "I Just Want to Love You", using piano instead of his traditional guitar.

"I like to do new things with each CD," he said.

He is investigating changing how fans obtain his music. He wants to go digital, so people can download his songs on cards and play them from any synced audio device.

Kabler is also making plans to be in Greencastle for Old Home Week, to sing for the 80s class reunion, and at other events.

And he has second thoughts about May 29. During a medical appointment on his last birthday, the doctor informed him he had cataracts.

"I told him next year on my birthday I'm going to Disney World."