Awna needs us!

Awna Teixeira has been bringing us light, shadow, cleansing tears and joy with their incomparable songs for over 20 years. Most of you reading here will not need to be told this, as you have been comforted, thrilled or challenged by their songs, and keep them close to your heart... But for those who may need a bit of context, Awna was one half of the Canadian roots visionary band, Po' Girl, with their soul sister, Allison Russell. They toured the world for seven years and made four albums. In 2013, Awna wanted to back away from the ceaseless touring and focus on their own writing. Allison went on to form Birds of Chicago with me, and then her own solo work. Even so, we never stopped collaborating and Awna was always the closest chosen family we have. When Allison and I welcomed our daughter, Ida Maeve, to the world, Awna eventually moved in with us in Nashville to make sure Ida had her beloved Auntie holding it down --- and keeping her loved, safe and secure - when her mom and I were on the road. Ida's bond with her Auntie Awna -- full of vaudeville routines, sight gags and fits of laughter, is one of the most wonderful things I have witnessed.

For those of you who know Awna, you already know they are a restless seeker, questioner and quester. In 2022, Awna followed a long time inner call to return to the country of their forebears, Portugal, feeling a need to both connect with their roots and remove themselves from all that was familiar and easy. A very Awna move, in short. Awna is never one to advertise their struggles, so we did not find out until very recently that they have been dealing with significant, painful and debilitating health issues for the last two years. Luckily, the issue is treatable, but requires a serious surgery that Awna will be recuperating from for some months.

Our mission is simple -- help this rare human who has helped us in many deep and abiding ways for so long -- recover and rehabilitate, without the specter of financial peril looming over them. They will not be able to work for as many as five months, so it is our hope to raise enough to keep the lights on, bills paid, and cupboard full of good and nourishing food for the next little while, as they are on their healing path, and help address any unforeseen medical costs that may yet arise.

Awna received news that the date for their surgery is sooner than initially expected - November 28 -- great news on one hand, but it makes our job a little more pressing. Let's lighten the load for our most beloved songbird, y'all, as they always have for us.