Red Wheeler Returns to Stage

By Julene McCoy in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 21, 2006 3:38PM

Back in March, we told you that James “Piano C Red” Wheeler had been shot and paralyzed in a carjacking and how he vowed to play again. That day has arrived. Wheeler will take the stage set up at the Chicago Carriage Cab Co. (2617 S. Wabash) with his Flat Foot Boogie Band.

The shooting has confined him to a wheelchair, but that hasn't slowed him down. He’s been busy helping with the Maxwell Street Blues Fest and playing the keyboard while staying at a Glenwood rehabilitation center. The Chicago Carriage Cab Co. has arranged for Wheeler to receive a renovated taxi to help him get around to his gigs. Simon Garber, CEO and president, said that the cab is just his way of saying, “Red – you have more friends out there than you know.” CCC may sound familiar because they're the ones who gave all their cabbies a $50 gas card last month to help abate fuel costs.

It hasn’t even been four months since the shooting that left Wheeler paralyzed and he’s back on stage. An amazing feat for anyone, let alone someone who’s 73! Wheeler's determination proves that when you got the blues, ain’t nothin’ gonna keep you down.