Local musician Nicky P hosts benefit concert for his father at Underground Arts

For many of us, the new year means making resolutions to eat healthier and hit the gym, but for local singer/songwriter, Nicholas Piccari, known in the music community as Nicky P, 2017 has even greater meaning: it’s the one-year anniversary since his father’s lifesaving lung transplant.

To celebrate, and help raise funds for his father’s medication, he’s bringing together all of his friends for a benefit concert on Friday, Jan. 6 at Underground Arts. The lineup includes Bruno Catrambone of Former Belle, Archawah and of course, Nicky P, who even has some new songs to debut:

“After one day of being in the hospital with my father, I started writing new songs. One is called ‘Talk’ and it’s about talking to your kids about how to find their path in life,” says the 30-year-old.

The journey started in October 2015 when David Piccari got news that his lungs weren’t going to last much longer, due to his battle with fibrosis.

“The doctor said my dad had a few months to live,” remembers Nicholas. “And being 73 at the time made getting a transplant difficult.”

Luckily, the family was directed to Temple — a hospital in the region that would allow someone over 65 to get a transplant.

“As long as the candidate can pass a test proving they had the strength of a 65-year-old, they are eligible for a transplant,” Nicholas notes.

Once his father passed the test, he was placed on a waiting list for an organ — which took two and a half months.

“It was a blessing he got the transplant so soon,” says the Graduate Hospital resident. “Some wait for over a year. Some wait and it’s too late.”

Finally, on Jan. 6 of last year, Nicholas’ dad received his new lung and got a second chance at life. The journey isn’t over, however.

“There’s still his recovery and getting on a pill schedule. He’ll be taking 15 pills a day for the rest of his life. Just one of them costs $5000 for the year,” Nicholas reveals.

All of the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards medical bills for David. There will also be donation bins for those who want to give a little extra.

“I want the show to be a celebration of life,” says Nicholas. “My father wasn’t supposed to make it and he did.”

If you go:
Nicky P and friends Fundraiser
Friday, Jan. 6
8:30 p.m.
Underground Arts
1200 Callowhill St.
$15- $20
undergroundarts.org