The Mockingbird Foundation team is heartbroken at the untimely passing of saxophonist James Casey. James was an incredibly talented musician who lit up the stage with the Trey Anastasio Band horn section, Phil Lesh and Friends, Bill Kreutzmann, and so many others.

While James fought his battle with colon cancer, he became a fierce spokesperson for early detection and regular screenings to help others avoid a similar fate. Please know your family history, and be an advocate for your own health. When detected early, colon cancer is almost always curable.

Our thoughts are with James’s friends, family, and his greater music community. In celebration of his life, the Mockingbird Foundation has made a $2,500 contribution to the music programs at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, AZ, where James first developed his skills, talent, and passion. Desert Vista offers a full range of programs – wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert band, percussion ensembles, marching band, jazz bands, steel drum bands, winter drumline, fall guard, and winter guard – and, with the support of its booster organization, works to bring the same magic of music education to thousands of students just as they did for James.

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