Friends turn out for Reggie Harris

12/30/2008

By Patsy Nicosia

Friends turn out for Reggie Harris

Friends and fans and fellow musicians celebrated the true meaning of the holidays Sunday in a four-hour benefit for Kim and Reggie Harris at the Middleburgh Methodist Church.
The Harrisses are 20-year Middleburgh residents and nationally known folk and gospel music performers.
After being ill for several years, Mr. Harris in October received a new liver.
Sunday’s concert was a way to raise money for the couple’s medical bills but also a way to show them appreciation for the support they’ve shown their adopted community over the years.
“I think we’ve all been searching for the true meaning of the holiday season,” said Brian Kaiser of Cobleskill.
“This is what community is about…coming together for someone very special. I find it here.”
Taking the stage near the end of the show, Mr. Harris joked he hasn’t yet picked up a guitar, but after listening to Sunday’s more than a dozen performers, it won’t be long now.
“I saw your hands itching there,” joked his wife.
The Harrisses are natives of Philadelphia.
Ironically, Mr. Harris got his new liver October 28—the same day the Phillies won the World Series.
“It was some day, let me tell you,” Mr. Harris said.
“Something like this changes your perspective. This really deepened mine. We needed your support and you were there.”