Sisters Starry Nights performer mourned

Keith Carper, who played bass in Hal Ketchum's band in their Sisters Starry Nights performance last April, has died of a heart attack.

Carper, 50, died on September 22, at his home in New Braunfels, Texas.

"He was a brilliant artist and a very kind, caring and gentle person," said Sisters Starry Nights director, Jeri Fouts. "He loved his time in Sisters and it was a very special weekend for him."

Carper played bass for Ketchum for 25 years. His obituary in the Roanoke Times noted that he was "a bassist of exceptional talent," and "a much-sought-after session player and touring musician."

In addition to playing with Ketchum, Carper worked with Kris Kristofferson, Tish Hinojosa and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.

Fouts said, "One of my fondest memories is his working so beautifully with the middle school 'Superman' singers, and his encouragement and support of the Americana Project performers on 'Five O'Clock World.' Hal wasn't able to be there for the rehearsals, so Keith and guitarist George Rarey filled in that Friday and did such a great job getting the kids comfortable and ready."