Long Road To Recovery Ahead For Saxophonist Pat Mackin

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minneapolis music community is planning a fundraiser for a saxophone player who was severely injured in an accident.

Pat Mackin was driving home from a gig at the Minnesota Music Café on Dec. 3, 2014, when he was broadsided by another car.

Several surgeries later, Mackin is recovering -- but has a long way to go.

"Where he's at right now is nothing less than amazing," musician Maurice Jacox said.

Mackin broke his neck in the crash, and had a stroke during one of his surgeries.

"It's a long road for sure, but everyday a little bit better," Mackin's wife, Jeanine Brudenell, said.

She has been by his side since day one, and so have many of his friends.

"There has been a constant flow of people coming in and cheering Pat on and supporting him and singing to him, getting him to pick up the sax and try playing it again, so I'm thankful for that," Brudenell said.

Mackin has played with musicians like Bonnie Raitt and George Benson. Several Twin Cities musicians are planning a fundraiser to help with his next challenge -- the transition home.

"All I had to do was mention that we maybe want to do something for Pat, and Mick [Sterling] just said, 'Let's just make the whole thing about Pat,'" Jacox said.

Jacox will join Sterling and other Minnesota musicians for "The Tenderness Sessions." The set will include music of Memphis soul legends Otis Redding, Sam and Dave and Wilson Pickett.

They hope to raise enough money to help pay for things that insurance will not cover.

"The Able Project is the people who will be coming and spending time with him when he gets out of here and goes home, and that's not covered by insurance either," Jacox said.

The event will be held Saturday at Pepitos' Parkway Theatre in Minneapolis at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 at the door, with all the proceeds going to help Mackin.

You can make a donation to the "Pat Mackin Donation Trust" at any Wells Fargo bank.