Noted songwriter and jamgrass performer David Via was attacked by a stranger prior to a house concert this past weekend. According to people at the show, a man came at David from behind while he was greeting fans outside the venue, knocking him from the porch. In falling, his face struck the bumper of a truck, resulting in a broken jaw and the loss of several teeth.

His assailant ran from the scene, and is reported to have attacked someone else some miles away later Saturday evening. Via was not acquainted with his attacker.

As is sadly the case with many independent musicians, David has no health insurance, and is not only facing sizable medical expenses, he will not be able to work again for several months. He and his fiancé have a one year old daughter, and friends are banding together to help out any way they can.

One quick suggestion they have made is purchasing Via’s most recent album, All Night Long, through iTunes or CD Baby, as those funds can be made available to David in short order. The 2009 record includes assistance from Wyatt Rice, Sammy Shelor, Alan Bibey, Ronnie Bowman, Jim VanCleve, Vince Herman, Tim O’Brien, Dan Tyminski and more.

Folks more inclined to send a direct contribution can post a check to:

David Via

4391 Stella Road

Patrick Springs, VA 24133

If you’ve ever met David, you know that he is one of the most laid back, go along-get along people you’ll ever encounter. Nobody deserves random violence, especially not someone as peaceful as Via.

Let’s hope that the IBMA Trust Fund is on the case.