Local musician needs community support

When things happen to community members in Idyllwild, many pull together to help their fellow neighbor. Many have struggled this year with the pandemic, but on top of that, some have struggled with their own health.

Idyllwild local and musician Ron Wright is a good example of someone who shares his talents with the community. Almost every weekend for months, Wright has performed at the gazebo in the center of town and the Town Crier has captured his photo to publish in the newspaper.

With the pandemic, arts and entertainment have been in short order, but the community has been able to count on Wright to be out singing and playing no matter what. His talent brings a sense of normalcy to these challenging times, lifting everyone’s spirits. It is also his main way of making a living.

While he performs solo in Idyllwild most of the time, he is also a member of Trick Dog, a trio of musicians who have played together for about two decades.

Recently, Wright had a health scare. According to longtime friend and bandmate Mitchell Bergen, Wright has never been one to run to the doctor every time something is wrong. However, after about 10 days of sleepless nights, Wright decided to go to the hospital. He was suffering classic symptoms of a heart attack, waking up in pain, sweats and experiencing numbness every night. 

On March 20, Wright was taken to the emergency room at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning where it was determined Wright was suffering from multiple heart attacks. He was transferred to Desert Regional Medical Center for further care.

“They gave him an immediate stent to basically save his life,” Bergen said. “At that point, they looked at doing a bypass but they discovered a mass on his bladder.”

Due to his symptoms and not knowing exactly what the mass is until a biopsy can be performed, medical professionals decided against doing a bypass right away. Instead, Wright now has six stents. 

After some time in the hospital, Wright is now resting at home until test results help determine what the mass is on his bladder, and if he will need a bypass or if the stents will suffice. Until then, there isn’t much the hospital could do for him, so they sent him home to rest and recover. 

“I’m speaking with him multiple times a day,” Bergen said. “He’s doing what he needs to do. He’s taking care of himself the best possible way and he has a good support system. I’ve been friends with Ron for maybe 22 years now. We met through a mutual musician friend in Houston. We’ve been playing together since 1999 from Texas, to Colorado and now in California.”

Being as close as Wright and Bergen are, it has been very difficult for Bergen to watch his friend and bandmate suffer but helping each other is what friends do. Bergen had a bout with cancer back in 2010. When he was going through that, Wright was there for him every step of the way.

Bergen explained, “Ron was there for me like the brother that he is to me. He was there constantly for me. We have that type of relationship.”

Considering the circumstances, Wright is doing well. He’s had fans, friends and family keeping in contact — people he knows personally, while others just know his music. 

“Having the stents in has helped with his blood flow,” Bergen said. “He feels better than he has in years. He’s very optimistic. He’s in a good mood and cheerful. He’s had people from around the world write in who don’t even know him personally but have heard and like his music.”

Thanks to Bergen, there is a GoFundMe and T-shirts available for sale to help Wright get through this tough time. Not being able to perform, Wright’s financial income has diminished.

Leanna Lee, owner of Leanna’s Idyll Awhile Wine Shop & Bistro said, “He’s going to be out of commission for a while. He’s not making any money. Whatever we can do for him, he’s a fantastic musician. We have to take care of each other.” There is a fundraising jar at Leanna’s Idyll Awhile Wine Shop & Bistro.

If you would like to donate to his GoFundMe page, you can visit https://gofund.me/fc9bae73. If you would like to purchase a T-shirt, you may do so at https://trickdogband.com/product/656485.

Outside of financial help, Wright also needs friendly support. If you would like to send a note of encouragement, drop off a meal, or just say hi, you can contact Wright directly at Ron@trickdogband.com.

We wish Wright a speedy recovery, so he can get back to doing what he loves — playing music.