On February 9th, 2026, the Bay Area music community lost a brilliant light. Anthony Ant—trumpeter, bandleader, educator, and the heart of Oakland's funk and jazz scene—was killed in a tragic shooting. His sudden passing has left us devastated, but his legacy of joy, inclusion, and music lives on in every person he uplifted.
For over two decades, Anthony dedicated himself to building community through music. He led the legendary "Glory Jams," weekly sessions where musicians from every background could play, connect, and grow. His band, Oakadelic, brought funk, jazz, soul, and hip-hop to stages across the Bay, and his gift for leading musicians in real time—trusting their talent and the energy of the moment—created unforgettable performances. As an educator, Anthony lit up when teaching kids, filling his students' lives with creativity and encouragement. He had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel welcome, valued, and heard.
Anthony's mother Tina, herself an Oakland Symphony musician, and his partner, Allison are now facing the overwhelming task of honoring his life while navigating profound grief and unexpected financial strain.
Your donations will go directly toward:
Funeral and Memorial Services: Costs have not yet been confirmed but are expected to ballpark $10,000 to honor Anthony's life with the dignity and celebration he deserves.
Home Restoration: Anthony's home sustained significant damage during the investigation. Repair costs could exceed $10,000.
Family Support: Therapy and counseling costs for his loved ones during this devastating transition. Sessions in the bay area can run $300 per hour.
Final Affairs: Administrative costs to settle Anthony's estate.
Extended Bereavement Support: Research shows grief-related costs continue for at least a year after loss. Recurring donations help cover ongoing needs like meals, household support, and continued grief services for the family.
How You Can Help
Donate: Any amount makes a difference. Consider setting up a recurring monthly donation to provide sustained support through the long journey of grief.
Share: Use the share button and the custom poster included with this campaign to make your share more powerful. Every share reaches someone new who can help ease this family's burden.
Celebrate: Join us at the Memorial Jam at Starry Plough on February 12th at 9pm. An official memorial service will be announced at a later date. https://partiful.com/e/QZf0yW35EETfxC5RSdMa?
Anthony poured love into every person he met and every space he created. Now we have the chance to pour that love back into supporting the family he cherished. Thank you for helping us care for them during their greatest time of need.
A few words from Anthony's partner, Allison:
Many in the community knew Anthony as a confident musician and community organizer, who was fun and magnetic. He wore the same taco costume every Halloween for over a decade, and seemed like he was never shy a day in his life. He loved his friends deeply and genuinely, spending the whole night playing music and talking with them, bringing music with him wherever he went.
I felt honored to know his quieter side - the one that loved nature and sunshine, the one influenced by spending early years living by the beach in a small coastal Northern California town. When we visited his mother in his hometown, I remember a moment alone together, talking for hours about our connection and our future. He looked at me with such deep love that I almost cried. I have never felt so seen by someone as I did when Anthony looked at me. He cut through pretense and spoke directly from the soul. That's what made him so charismatic on stage, but in the quieter moments he shone even brighter.