Trey Anastasio, Dave Matthews, Bill Kreutzmann & More Contribute To Inaugural James Casey Birthday Benefit Auction

The auction and screening drive was launched in partnership with the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH).

By Andy Kahn Feb 4, 2025 8:35 am PST

Trey Anastasio, Dave Matthews, Bill Kreutzmann and others contributed to the inaugural James Casey Birthday Benefit Auction for colon cancer awareness. Spearheaded by James Casey’s widow Ayla Casey and launched in partnership with the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH), proceeds from the charity auction will go to colorectal cancer screening services for uninsured individuals via Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC).

Today (February 4) marks what would have been James Casey’s birthday. The saxophonist, who was a longtime member of the Trey Anastasio Band, died in 2023 at age 40. Casey was diagnosed with early-onset colon cancer in July 2021.

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James Casey Birthday Benefit Auction bidding begins online on Tuesday, February 25 at 12 p.m. ET and will be available through Sunday, March 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Items available include a Trey Anastasio solo acoustic tour VIP package, a guitar signed by Dave Matthews and an autographed copy of Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann’s memoir, Deal: My Three Decades of Drumming, Dreams, and Drugs with the Grateful Dead, and more.

Additional auction items include VIP packages for The String Cheese Incident and the Disco Biscuits and an autographed drumhead signed by Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh and Casey, as well as other Phil & Friends participants at the 2022 Warfield shows.

“Because colon cancer is almost always treatable when caught early, James shared his story in hopes that others might avoid his fate,” Ayla Casey stated. “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.”

In addition to the James Casey Birthday Benefit Auction, on Sunday, March 2, ABGH will launch Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with a virtual webinar and screening drive in honor of James Casey. Registration for the webinar, “Your Health, Your Voice: Knowing the Signs of Colorectal Cancer and Taking Action,” is available now.

Donations may be made directly via GiveButter.com.

Music as Medicine: a James Casey story

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