Pianist's competitors rally for fellow artist

Third in an occasional series

When earnestness trumps envy and competition gives way to

cooperation, great things can happen among friends, though adults —

especially those in the public eye — seem often to act otherwise.

So when Russ Dixon, leader of a local band called "Colors," called a

fellow musician last month to perform free of charge at a benefit

concert for pianist Paul Cardall — whom some fellow LDS musicians may

consider to be "the competition" — the answer "left me with goose

bumps," Dixon said.I'd pay money myself to come and do that show," came the reply."

When at least two dozen local musicians, producers, sound and

lighting technicians and cameramen came together this week at

Cottonwood High School, they added their silent "amens" to the reply

Dixon heard. Each left without a dime in their pockets, though the

concert was a sellout.

"Living for Eden," as the show was dubbed, was a full-blown

community effort to raise money for their friend and fellow musician,

whose damaged heart won't beat much longer. Cardall and his family —

including his 3-year-old daughter, Eden — are waiting for a phone call

that says a donor heart is waiting to be transplanted into his chest.

It's his last shot at being able to see his daughter grow up. After

living for more than three decades with congenital heart disease, he's

undergone 28 operations and seven open-heart surgeries.

While Cardall's spirit is strong, his heart grows weaker by the day.