Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge will be the site of a fundraiser on Monday, May 30 for keyboard player “Mighty Joe” Longa, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. With expenses mounting and no insurance, many of Longa’s music pals will gather to raise funds and spirits.

Longa has been a mainstay of the local music scene since the mid-1970s, playing with a list of luminaries like Copenhagen, The Jacks, Mojo Nixon, Buddy Blue and Joey Harris & The Mentals.

Blues will be the order of the day at this event with Chet Cannon and the Committee, featuring Scottie Blinn providing backing and guests, including Lady Star and former Beat Farmer Joey Harris sitting in.

Longa has made a lot of friends in his four decades on local stages.

“‘Mighty Joe’ has taken me under his wing since we started playing together in Powerthud 10 years ago,” Harris said. “When times got tough and gigs got less and less profitable, Joe encouraged me to keep playing for the joy of it. He would always be there for me.”

Blinn agrees.

“Joe is one of the biggest-hearted guys I’ve ever met and a killer B3 player,” Blinn said. “I made a prayer for Joe: God, please take care of and heal my friend Joe. The world needs it’s good guys right now.”

The fundraiser takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, May 30, at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. Cover TBD.

For more information, visit www.humphreysbackstagelive.com.