A MESSAGE FROM THE CAMPAIGN ORGANIZERS, NEAL SIEGAL AND BRICE MOSS:

As Dan Levinson’s friends, we're writing these words because we know he never would. For decades, Dan has built his life the old-fashioned way: through talent, discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to his family and his work. He has devoted his career to preserving an important part of America's musical heritage as one of the country's most respected performers, mentors, and authorities on early jazz. Impressive as those accomplishments are, they tell only part of the story.

The Dan we know is, above all else, a genuinely good man: generous with his time, patient with those seeking his guidance, steadfast in his friendships, unfailingly respectful of others, and someone whose word has always meant something. He is a devoted husband, a proud and loving father, and a man who has always believed that the best way to care for his family is by his own honest work. In Yiddish, there is a word that captures all of those qualities: “mensch.”

Because of complications that developed years after successful cancer treatment in 1999, Dan recently underwent extensive reconstructive surgery to his jaw. The operation—and the long, difficult recovery that followed—kept him away from the bandstand for about five months and cost him numerous long-standing engagements that had provided his family's livelihood. It was a devastating interruption to a career built over a lifetime. Yet, true to character, Dan met every setback with determination, rather being paralyzed with self-pity. His recovery has been remarkable, and he is finally able to perform again. What remains is the financial hardship created during those months when he simply could not work.

This campaign is not about asking others to carry someone unwilling to carry himself. Quite the opposite. It is about helping a hardworking husband, father, musician, teacher, and friend bridge an unexpected financial gap while he rebuilds the performing schedule that has long supported his family.

Whether you know Dan personally, have enjoyed hearing him perform, learned from his writing or teaching, or simply arrived here through someone who does, we hope you'll take a few moments to read the story that follows. We asked Dan to tell it in his own words because no one can better describe the journey that brought him here—or the determination that continues to carry him forward.

Brice Moss & Neal Siegal

Campaign Organizers

IN DAN'S OWN WORDS:

Ever since I was a child, playing music has been all I’ve ever wanted to do—and it’s still all I want to do. For nearly four decades I've made my living as a freelance clarinetist and saxophonist specializing in jazz of the 1910s, 1920s and 1930s. While based in New York City, I’ve performed throughout the United States and abroad, helping to keep the early jazz traditions alive. I’ve been fortunate to perform and record with many of the finest musicians in that field.

Even during the leanest periods, I’ve managed to pay the bills and to provide for my family. But now, following major jaw surgery that prevented me from working for many months, the loss of income has created a financial hole that we simply haven’t been able to climb out of. This campaign is intended to help us bridge that gap while I rebuild my performing schedule.

Here’s the backstory. Twenty-seven years ago I underwent treatment for throat cancer, which involved radiation therapy. Thankfully, the treatment was successful and I've been cancer-free ever since. But earlier this year, I had to undergo major jaw reconstruction surgery to correct severe long-term damage caused by that radiation. My surgeons understood how important music is to me and worked incredibly hard to preserve my ability to play.

The surgery was successful, but the road to recovery has been long and grueling. One of the biggest challenges has been learning to play my instruments again. The clarinet, in particular, is an instrument that requires daily practice. Being away from my instruments for so long—and the loss of sensation on the right side of my face—has necessitated rebuilding my embouchure from the ground up. In early April, I began practicing every day in an effort to rebuild the muscles and redevelop the technique I’d lost during my recovery. It was humbling, frustrating and exhausting, but I was determined to get back in shape and I wasn’t going to give up.

In mid-May, after six weeks of intensive daily practice, I felt I was ready to return to performing. But I’ve learned that being able to play my instruments and being able to make a living doing it are two very different things.

A few weeks ago I announced on Facebook that I was available for work again, and received hundreds of kind comments, words of encouragement, and messages of support. I was deeply touched by every one of them—they lifted my spirits tremendously. But after more than six months without the income that has supported my family, our financial challenges remain. My wife and I are doing what we can to make sure our ten-year-old daughter has everything she needs, but the loss of my income has created a gap that we simply haven't been able to close.

My longtime friends Neal Siegal and Brice Moss have remained by my side throughout this whole ordeal, and are aware of the financial challenges my family is facing. They created this GoFundMe campaign on my behalf because they knew we couldn’t get through this alone. Please know that—more than anything—I want to earn my living again.

If you’re in a position to hire me for a concert, festival, recording session, private event, or for a local engagement in a bar or restaurant, that would mean the world to me. If you know someone who needs a clarinetist or saxophonist and you think I’d be a good fit, I'd be deeply grateful if you’d pass my name along. If that's not possible and you're able to make a contribution, no matter the amount, your generosity will help cover essential living expenses while I get back on my feet.

However you’re able to help—whether it’s with a job offer, a recommendation, a donation, or simply by sharing this campaign with others—please know that I’m profoundly grateful. Your kindness and support will help my family through this difficult chapter until I can once again support my family doing the work that has been my life's passion.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Dan Levinson

Watch this video montage of some of Dan’s recent performances: https://youtube.com/shorts/Gxgyxe68a9c

A FEW WORDS FROM NEAL SIEGAL AND BRICE MOSS, IN CLOSING:

Thank you for taking the time to read Dan's story. If you're unable to contribute financially, one of the most meaningful ways you can help is by sharing this campaign with others or recommending Dan for musical engagements as he returns to work. Those simple acts of kindness will help him continue doing what he loves most: making music, supporting his family, and enriching the lives of others.

PHOTO CREDITS

Dan playing clarinet with NYC skyline 2025: Aidan Grant

Dan with campers before parade at the New Orleans Trad Jazz Camp 2026: Suzanne Gekker

Dan playing clarinet at the New Orleans Trad Jazz Camp 2026: Suzanne Gekker

Dan with sax at the Hotel Chelsea, NYC 2025: Michelle Pullman

Dan with family at The Cutting Room, NYC 2025: Nina Galicheva

Video montage created by Suzanne Gekker