Michael McDonald returns to Lobero for The Rhythmic Arts Project benefit on Nov. 1

Michael McDonald is taking it to the Lobero in Santa Barbara on Nov. 1.

The former member of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan is playing another benefit show for The Rhythmic Arts Project, known as TRAP.

TRAP founder Eddie Tuduri said this will be the last big show of its kind for TRAP and it is also a celebration of his recovery from throat cancer.

“I didn’t woe is me, I sat on edge of the bed, and talked to god.”

Tuduri didn’t think it was his time to go.

“I’m not sure if it is time yet to go because the assignment from years ago when I broke my neck, I am not really done, I have to dot a few i’s and cross my t’s.

The assignment came to him years ago when the drummer who played with The Beach Boy, Rick Nelson and others was paralyzed in a body surfing accident off Carpinteria in 1997.

He turned his hospital ward into a rhythm section and The Rhythmic Arts Project was born.

“We put four quarter notes and label them, 1,2,3,4. And give you a drum, 1,2,3,4. then, the quarter note becomes left, right, left, right. Then the drums are red, blue, black and green. And that turns into learning sign language and identifying shapes,”TRAP not to be mistaken for a drum circle.

“TRAP is an educational modality, it is not a drum circle, I have nothing against drum circles.It teaches reading, writing, arithmetic, social skills, creative thinking, it has been published in the Journals of Special Ed.”

After surgery and radiation treatments at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Tuduri learned he was cancer-free in July.

“The Ridley center is like a haven for folks like me, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Tuduri will take the stage with McDonald and other renown musicians and TRAP students.

The money raised will keep TRAP programs going in local schools and around the world.

KEYT 2019