We love Erik Hess – as a photographer, friend, competitor and collaborator, he’s the kind of generous and open-hearted documentarian that keeps the Twin Cities music scene vital and in the public eye. You’ve seen his photographs everywhere, as well as him – he’s one of the hardest-working guys in town, because he’s making photography his sole work. That means no safety net, and grinding out over-worked and under-paid gigs just to make ends meet.

All that would be hard enough for a fully healthy guy, but Erik suffers from an extremely rare immunodeficiency disorder called CVID (Common Variable Immunodeficiency), which affects his ability to fight infections and can turn fatal if untreated. Seriously, the guy has worked through 103 degree fevers, just to get that shot, but that’s no way to live – literally in Erik’s case. On top of this already difficult and expensive disorder, Erik recently faced gall bladder removal surgery after months of painful complications. He has been able to get some coverage and monthly treatments at the Mayo Clinic, but those treatments have been cut off until he is able to cover thousands of dollars of medical expenses.

So this Saturday, get to the Turf Club for ANTIBODY WANNA DANCE, a benefit for Erik featuring some of his favorite bands (including a live appearance of The Sevateem!) and auction items donated by awesome people (Neil Gaiman, anyone?). If you can’t make it out (and even if you can) you can donate to Erik’s fund via his YouCaring page. One party isn’t going to fix Erik – or the health insurance morass in this country – but it can help him right now, and support one of our own going forward. Stay healthy, Erik, you gotta dance.