Some of you here know Mike Arena, tenor player, arranger, and bandleader. He has been the leader of the Altamonte (FL) Jazz Ensemble for many years. http://www.altamontejazzensemble.com/
(I am the pianist in that band.)
Yesterday Mike had surgery to remove a spot on his pancreas. They took a big chunk of pancreas and some spleen too, I am told. Mike responded well to the surgery, and the prognosis is positive. The surgery was performed up north somewhere.
He will be out of it for a while, and asks for the thoughts and prayers of those who know him. Mike is in his early 80s, and is still a strong tenor player and enthusiastic bandleader. We all look forward to his return to the podium.
(I am the pianist in that band.)
Yesterday Mike had surgery to remove a spot on his pancreas. They took a big chunk of pancreas and some spleen too, I am told. Mike responded well to the surgery, and the prognosis is positive. The surgery was performed up north somewhere.
He will be out of it for a while, and asks for the thoughts and prayers of those who know him. Mike is in his early 80s, and is still a strong tenor player and enthusiastic bandleader. We all look forward to his return to the podium.
