As previously reported, longtime RatDog guitarist Mark Karan was recently diagnosed with cancer and, as a result, sat out his bands summer tour. The guitarist appears to be recovering after completing his second round of chemotherapy and even took the stage wearing a cowboy hat to help the New Riders of the Purple Sage through drummer John Markowskis Higher at Californias Sausalito Art Festival on Labor Day. Later in the day, Karan also attended a screening of the film Guitar Man, which features material the guitarist recorded with Bob Weir, RatDog drummer Jay Lane, Pete Sears and a host of other musicians. Though Karan will sit out RatDogs fall tour, he will likely rejoin the group this December or in early 2008. The New of the Purple Sage will play a Rex Foundation Black Tie-Dye Ball with special guests Donna Jean Godchaux and keyboardist Mookie Siegel at Falls Church, VAs State Theater on September 14. Boris Garcia will supply opening duties.