On Sunday Veteran New Orleans musician Kirk Joseph what has been described as a major heart attack. The longtime Dirty Dozen Brass Band sousaphonist, who more recently has also led his own Backyard Groove, is currently without health insurance and unable to pay his medical bills. His wife Venessa Joseph released the following statement:

I can’t begin to know how to say this to those of you who love Kirk (not more than me), but Kirk had a heart attack yesterday morning. It hurts me to sit here and send this because now I have actually said it. I still cannot believe this.
The cardiologist called me this afternoon to go into more detail about his condition. His heart is operating at 20%… when it should be at 60-80%. There is a blockage somewhere and they have not determined where it is. The doctor also stated he could possibly have another heart attack before they find where the blockage is.
He will remain in the hospital until next week. Hurricane Katrina did most of us in… But now I am tired. I am hurt and devastated by this and I can’t break down because I have to stay strong for Kirk. He is in good spirits right now, but very afraid. He wanted me to let you all know that he is okay.
I would like for you all to join me in prayer and ask GOD to keep him here and to heal him, (body, soul, mind and spirit). I am not ready to lose him and I know you all feel the same way.
His hospital bill right now is in excess of $8000.00 because of all the tests and x-rays, blood work ups, EKG’s, medicines and all of the specialist that have seen him. They are going to continue to run tests and do an angiogram ASAP. His lungs are still filled with fluid and he is coughing constantly because the air can’t get through to his lungs properly and the blood is not getting to his heart the way it should. He is on an IV and the EKG machine is hooked up to monitor him.
If you would like to send him a card or a donation (toward the hospital bill) we would be greatly appreciative as he does not have medical insurance.
Kirk is in University Hospital-Room 603.
Thank you for your continued love and support, Venessa Joseph.
All donations should be made out to Kirk Joseph and sent to P.O. Box 8852, New Orleans, LA 70182. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band is scheduled to perform at Tipitina’s this evening.