Concert to Benefit Tyler Osborn — “Fighting Cancer Together”
Local Music, Arts and Education Communities Unite for an Eight-Hour Benefit Concert in St. Joseph
ST. JOSEPH, MO — September 9, 2026 — Friends, musicians, former students, colleagues, artists, and community members from throughout the region will come together Sunday, September 20, for a special afternoon and evening of live music and community support at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 4520 Mitchell Ave., St. Joseph, Missouri.
Concert to Benefit Tyler Osborn — Fighting Cancer Together will take place from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, with suggested donations supporting Tyler Osborn as he continues treatment for Stage 4 colon cancer.
The event will feature eight hours of live music, food and drinks, a silent auction, and an opportunity for the community to come together for one of its own.
A Musician, Educator, Artist and Friend
For many people in Northwest Missouri and the surrounding region, Tyler Osborn is much more than a name on a benefit poster.
Tyler has spent decades contributing to the area’s music and arts communities. He has performed, taught, mentored students, worked in the arts, and built a career as a professional photographer and artist.
As a young musician, Tyler traveled the country performing with the Crimson Cadets and Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps. His education includes Hastings College, Missouri Western State University, and the University of Central Missouri.
Thousands of students have known him as Mr. Osborn—or “Ozzy” through his work with Buchanan County R4, Lee A. Tolbert, and Center Middle/High School, where he served as Director of the Mighty Marching Yellowjacket Band.
He has also been part of the region’s arts community through his work with the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art.
And for more than three decades, Tyler has been a familiar face on local stages. He has been the lead singer and frontman of the rock band Under the Influence since 1992, while also performing with Tailwagon during an approximately 30-year recording and performing career.
More recently, Tyler has become known for his work behind the camera through Tyler Osborn Studios, building a highly regarded career as a Kansas City-area photographer and artist.
Now, cancer treatment has temporarily taken Tyler away from his photography work and created significant medical and financial challenges for him and his family.
The September 20 concert is an opportunity for the many communities Tyler has touched over the years to come together and return some of the support, friendship, music and encouragement he has given to others.
Eight Hours of Live Music
The concert will feature a diverse lineup reflecting Tyler’s own eclectic musical world:
12:00 PM — St. Joseph Arts Academy
Students and advancing musicians from the St. Joseph Arts Academy will open the event.
12:45 PM — Members of Head East
Members of the nationally touring classic rock act Head East will perform.
2:00 PM — Michael Shaun Brown (featuring Ann & Terry Brock)
Classic country and Southern rock.
3:00 PM — Kristin & Lucy Gray Hamilton
Original Americana.
4:00 PM — Soca Jukebox
Island rock and reggae.
5:00 PM — 2 Miles Deep
Classic rock.
6:00 PM — Under the Influence
Classic Eclectic Acoustic Electric Jam.
Under the Influence holds a particularly personal connection to the event. Tyler has served as the band’s lead singer and front man since 1992.
Additional performances and appearances may be added to the schedule.
More Than Music
In addition to the live performances, the afternoon will include:
- Free admission
- Suggested donations
- Food and drinks
- Silent auction
- Community gathering and fellowship
- Eight hours of live music
A complete list of silent auction donors and donated items will be announced as they are finalized.
Community Sponsors
The event is being made possible through the generosity of local businesses, arts organizations, community partners and friends, including:
- Dennis Peek Productions
- St. Joseph Arts Academy
- Triumph Foods
- Pizza Shoppe
- Mosaic Life Care Cancer Center
- St. Joseph Symphony
- Fantastic Fidos
- Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
- InspireU
- Riverwood Winery
- And additional community sponsors and supporters
Supporting Tyler
All funds raised through the event will support Tyler’s medical expenses and loss of livelihood through a gifting trust.
A GoFundMe &n Venmo campaigns for Tyler Osborn have also established for those who would like to contribute directly or are unable to attend the September 20 event. Details will be shared as soon as the campaign is available.
Tyler’s friends and family have emphasized that this event isn’t simply about cancer. It is about people, music, friendship, community and showing up for someone who has spent much of his life showing up for others.
As Tyler recently shared with supporters:
“It’s hard to ask for help, but I find myself vulnerable and open to the magnanimity of friends and strangers alike. I can’t express how beautiful our world is or how grateful I am for your loving support. I’m so thankful to you!”
Media & Interview Opportunities
Tyler’s story offers a unique opportunity to explore the connections between music, education, the arts and community in Northwest Missouri, as well as the impact of a serious illness on a working artist and musician.
Members of Tyler’s family, friends, fellow musicians, educators, students, event organizers and community supporters are available for interviews leading up to the event.
Members of the performing lineup may also be available for interviews.
Media outlets interested in interviews, additional information, event coverage, or attending the September 20 concert are encouraged to reach out.
CONCERT INFORMATION
Concert to Benefit Tyler Osborn — Fighting Cancer Together
Sunday, September 20, 2026
12:00 PM–8:00 PM
Knights of Columbus Hall
4520 Mitchell Ave.
St. Joseph, MO 64507
Admission: Free — suggested donations welcomed
Food: Available
Drinks: Available
Silent Auction: Yes
Live Music: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM
Media Contact:
Jason Riley / Event Organizers
St. Joseph, Missouri
jason@jasonriley.com
Musicaccomplished@gmail.com
More information and GoFundMe link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tyler-osborns-fight-against-rare-cancer
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