This Saturday, Barking Legs is paying tribute to one of modern acoustic music’s most influential artists with a fundraising show honoring virtuosic mandolinist Butch Baldassari.

Several months ago, Baldassari was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Unfortunately (well, even more so) the tumor is affecting his left-hand dexterity, which has in turn affected his ability to play.

If Baldassari’s name doesn’t mean anything to you on its own, you’ve probably heard of acts he’s associated with like Lonesome Standard Time or the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, which he founded in 1991. He has also been a member of Vanderbilt University’s music faculty since 1996.

The characteristics of his performance are hard to define since he encompasses such a wide sweep of genres, from blues and bluegrass to classical and jazz. Although Barking Legs owner Bruce Kaplan called Baldassari’s style more finesse than flash, I watched a video on YouTube of a performance with Weary Hearts, and I have to say he has both in spades — like liquid quicksilver.

Baldassari has performed at Barking Legs Theater in a variety of formats over the years (most recently with former Asleep at the Wheel fiddler Barbara Lamb).

The benefit Saturday evening will send all the proceeds to help pay his medical expenses, which, as with all such treatments, are significant. The show will include performances by Norman Blake, Lou Wamp and Swing Shift, the Dismembered Tennesseans and Barbara Lamb, many of whom have connections to Baldassari as either a collaborator in their work or as a fellow performer.

“He’s a personal friend, and we’ve always respected him a lot for his taste, tone and versatility,” said Lou Wamp, whose 2004 solo album, “Resolution,” was produced by Baldassari. “He believed in me more than I believed in myself.”

On a personal note, Baldassari’s situation is one I’ve often contemplated as a musician.

I’ve often wondered, as I’m sure many musicians have, what I would do should my ability to play become impaired to the point that I had to stop. I’d love to say I would exhibit Baldassari’s resolve and courage to face life, but I can’t say I could with any degree of certainty.

Obviously, illnesses are a drain in many ways, but they can be even more dire for musicians since most are either uninsured or underinsured. It’s unfortunate, but for performers, there’s no such thing as sick time.

I know a good many musicians live in this area, particularly of the acoustic variety, and to some degree, whether direct or indirect, many have probably been exposed to or influenced by Baldassari’s work. Even if you haven’t, this is an excellent time to lend a helping hand to an artist in need.

The show begins at 8 p.m. Cover is $20, and all the proceeds will go to Baldassari’s family. He is expected to be in attendance, though that may change as his condition permits.

E-mail Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com