James "Bean" Herndon Jr. died more than five years ago. He had cut away from a tour to attend, of all things, his brother-in-law's funeral, and as he drove back to meet the band for a gig in Vermont, he got into a fatal car accident. As his sister was burying her husband, she had also lost a brother.

Mac Odom, a singer in many "Bean"-backed projects and current pipes for Roomful of Blues, lost a brother, too. "I was crushed when I heard the news. We had worked together in so many different ways, I really felt like I had lost a family member."

The Providence-based Bean was the kind of drummer you could base a band around, a solid, muscular stylist saturated in the classic soul. "He was a heavy, heavy backbeat, R&B-type drummer, a real funk drummer," says Odom. "He had a very powerful presence back there."

A community of musicians rallied around Herndon's family following his death. They organized a benefit that helped defray the unseemly costs surrounding a funeral/burial and financially assisted Herndon's relatives. Well, little did they know at the time, but that benefit has grown into something pretty serious and incredibly substantial. Now in its fifth year, the fundraiser has gone from assisting Herndon's family to backing a heady scholarship program for musicians.

"It started out the first year to help the family," says Odom, "and we kept it going 'cause it was such a positive thing. In the second year it became a scholarship," says Odom. "This year it's specifically designed for musicians, musical kids who need some help with college."

The Fifth Annual Fundraiser Benefit is sponsored by Family, Friends, and the James "Bean" Herndon Musicians' Scholarship Committee. It takes place this Sunday at 6 p.m. "It's going to be a great time," Odom guarantees. He'll be missing a New York Roomful gig for the occasion (Sugar Ray Norcia will be sitting in for him). "I'm personally looking forward to seeing a lot of people I haven't seen or played with in a while. This is an event we all come together for, to celebrate Bean's memory. The support of the musicians in the community has been overwhelming."

Among the acts slated to play the show are Steve Smith and the Nakeds, Ronnie Rose, Chops Turner, Clarice Ashe, Brother to Brother, and Irving Washington III. Odom is also slated to perform. "There's some great talent here in this area, doing things that people don't even know about," Odom said, referring mainly to the local pipeline musicians have to the Britney Spears staff. The Providence arranger and drummer known to his friends as "Slam" is Spears's musical director and he brought in a handful of local talent to fill out the dancin' diva's traveling revue.

But that's getting off the subject. The fact is, Odom, in addition to keeping the flame of Herndon's legacy well-lit, is also trying to ensure that young, aspiring musicians realize the importance of live music. "The kids are coming up, and they're not understanding how important it is to be there for this kind of stuff. Before you know it, they're in college and it's too late to get started. They need to start earlier than that."

And they will if Odom has anything to say about it. The soulful singer with the gospel chops has added fire to the already smokin' Roomful repertoire. One listen to this man, and kids everywhere will be scampering to find a cheap microphone. Sing it, Mac, and keep up the good work.

The 5th Annual Fundraiser Benefit for James "Bean" Herndon Jr. goes down on Sunday at Jovans Multiplex, 6 Portland Avenue in Providence. Tickets are $12. The music starts at 6 p.m. and goes 'til 2 a.m. Advance purchase is encouraged. Call Gloria at 467-8477 or Ralph at 434-3512.

MAKE ROOM FOR ROOMFUL. Speaking of good work, Roomful and Odom will be kicking off the Newport Winter Festival this Friday at the Hyatt in the City By the Sea. While there, you might want to pick up a copy of the band's fan-only Live at Wolf Trap disc. It's hot off the presses and available on the outfit's Roomtone Records.

Of course, the band is still under contract to Rounder's Bullseye Blues imprint, but the label freed them up for this project. The CD, recorded at the Barns of Wolf Trap down in Vienna, Virginia, features highlights from recent stage shows, including hot new renditions of Amos Milburn's "Let's Have a Party" and guitarist Chris Vachon's original "Turn It On! Turn It Up!" It's a good recording that captures Roomful '02 at the very peak of its prowess.

MARY ANN ROSSONI. Versatile and talented with two albums behind her already, Mary Ann Rossoni is at last poised to carve another career notch in her belt. She's set to headline Stone Soup, that venerable acoustic music venue which itself is in its incredible 21st season. The show takes place this Saturday.

Rossoni released Downcity last year for the Wall Street Music label and has been working it ever since. Stone Soup was one of the places Mary Ann first explored the possibilities of becoming a musician. She initially began appeared at open mike nights, then earned slots as an opener. In the past few years she has refined her artistry and performance enough to share the stage with other marquee performers.

Not any more. Rossoni will headline with her terrific band, which includes drummer Dan Hann, backup singer Betsy Dake, guitarist D.J. Lauria, and bassist Joe Potenza. There are certain defining moments in a musician's life that serve as milestones on a longer journey, as well as brilliant, stand-alone experiences. One expects for Mary Ann that this night will function as both. She is skilled, hard-working, determined, and eminently deserving. Catch her in concert on Saturday at 8 p.m. There will be two sets.

Stone Soup is upstairs at Slater Mill Historic Site, 67 Roosevelt Avenue in Pawtucket. Call 781-0061, or e-mail stone@soup.org for information. Admission is $8, and parking is free and abundant.

WANDERING EYE. There's a pretty cool matinee at the Met on Sunday. Starting at 4 p.m., Jon Tierney and his band the Truth top a bill that also includes Bob's Day Off and Mr. Lincoln. Six dollars gets you some good tunes.

I also heard some terrific news about local heroes Grüvis Malt. They just signed a national recording contract with the new, well-heeled label Lakeshore Records. Lakeshore is the independent recorded music division of Lakeshore Entertainment, the Paramount-based film production company. Lakeshore has produced such films as Runaway Bride, Arlington Road, The Gift, and The Mothman Prophecies. They've begun signing some impressive bands, of which GM is one. (Candiria is another.) They'll likely receive good attention at Lakeshore. Both band and label are up-and-coming entities, which bodes well for chemistry and ambition. More on this in weeks to come.

E-mail me with music news at big.daddy1@cox.net Note new address!

Issue Date: February 15 - 21, 2002