The Mark Vann Foundation has been established as a non-profit charitable and educational organization in tribute to the late Leftover Salmon banjo player, Mark Vann. The organization which recently received tax-exempt status from the IRS (501c3 for those of you scoring at home) is devoted in part, to ‘the preservation of traditional Americana music.’ To this end the organization will host a benefit on December 14 at Trilogy in Boulder, CO with performances by Leftover Salmon’s Vince Herman and Bill McKay along with The Canine Unit and ‘other anticipated special guests.’

In Leftover news the band has announced that it will be giving away a two night hotel stay and a VIP ticket to its New Year’s Eve performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The group will share the bill that evening with Grand Ol’ Opry member Del McCoury and his band. For those in a vacation mindset, Leftover will also perform two shows at Levelz in Steamboat Springs, CO on Friday January 2nd and Saturday January 3rd. LoS is in Flagstaff, AZ this evening at the Orpheum Theater.