Posted by Mary Abbe
Ann Marsden (photo by Terry Gydesen)
Twin Cities photographer Ann Marsden has always focused on everyone else — the actors, artists, musicians and creative types who make these towns hum. Now the spotlight is on her as she starts a second round of chemotherapy and radiation following a July diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Marsden kept her private health-hell quiet all fall and was "adamant that her clients not know" said friend Lisa Nebenzahl, who is organizing a benefit for Marsden Jan. 10 at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis.
Prudence Johnson has wrangled an A-list of performers including The New Standards, The Warblers, Kevin Bowe & Alison Scott, Kevin Kling, Dan Chouinard, Dean Magraw, Laura Caviani, Ann Reed, Dennis Spears, Hedwig & the Angry Inch, Debbie Duncan, Lori Dokken, T. Mychael Rambo, Regina Williams, Connie Evingson, Leslie Ball, Erin Schwab, Gary Raynor and the Minnesota Orchestra's brass section, which will perform fanfares and madrigals. M.O. conductor Osmo Vanska is expected to drop by, too.
Two of Marsden's photos will be raffled off and there will be silent and live auctions.
Besides helping defray Marsden's treatment, proceeds will go to the Family Tree Clinic and the SAGE Assistance Program, which provide reproductive health and screening services to women.
"She was really down for the count this summer, but lately she's been doing a little photography and has gotten to be quite a spiritual person, taking just one day at a time," said Nebenzahl. "She's a real workhorse and a joy-giver who has touched so many lives. We're trying to fill the house."
