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Richard (Scrumbly) Koldewyn is a beloved Stagebridge teacher, musician, songwriter, and co-founder of San Francisco’s iconic troupe The Cockettes. For more than 27 years, Scrumbly has shared his immense talent and heart with Stagebridge and the Bay Area arts community, inspiring countless students and audiences with his music and generosity.
Born Richard William Koldewyn in 1945, Scrumbly has spent his life bringing music and fearless creativity to the Bay Area. After earning an award-winning high-school role, he joined The Cockettes, helping shape a cultural movement. He went on to create original work with Paula Pucker and the Pioneers, Angels of Light, and Theater Workers, earning a Bay Area Critics Circle Award in 1977. He founded the a cappella new-wave group The Distractions, winning another Critics Circle Award in 1981. In 1984, he co-founded The Jesters, who toured Europe, performed with major orchestras, appeared on television, won two San Francisco Cabaret Gold Awards, and appeared in the MGM film Getting Even With Dad. Their vintage-style show Singing Fools premiered in 1995. For the past 27 years, Scrumbly has been a beloved teacher and music director at Stagebridge, inspiring older adults and artists across the Bay Area. Scrumbly is not just a local legend—he is a cherished friend and mentor whose generosity has shaped countless lives.
Recently, Scrumbly experienced a heart attack and is preparing for surgery. As he focuses on healing, he faces the challenge of managing medical care, rehabilitation, medications, and daily recovery costs. The road ahead includes specialist visits, physical and cardiac therapy, follow-up care, transportation, home support, and lost income during recovery. Every dollar raised will go directly to his healing and help ease the financial burden so he can concentrate on getting well.
Now it’s our turn to support Scrumbly with the same kindness he has always shown others. Your contributions will make a real difference in his recovery and help him return to the music and community he loves. We’ll share updates on his recovery here. Your support, shares, and messages of love will help bring him back to the piano—and back to the community he has inspired for decades. Donate today and help Scrumbly return stronger than ever.
Born Richard William Koldewyn in 1945, Scrumbly has spent his life bringing music and fearless creativity to the Bay Area. After earning an award-winning high-school role, he joined The Cockettes, helping shape a cultural movement. He went on to create original work with Paula Pucker and the Pioneers, Angels of Light, and Theater Workers, earning a Bay Area Critics Circle Award in 1977. He founded the a cappella new-wave group The Distractions, winning another Critics Circle Award in 1981. In 1984, he co-founded The Jesters, who toured Europe, performed with major orchestras, appeared on television, won two San Francisco Cabaret Gold Awards, and appeared in the MGM film Getting Even With Dad. Their vintage-style show Singing Fools premiered in 1995. For the past 27 years, Scrumbly has been a beloved teacher and music director at Stagebridge, inspiring older adults and artists across the Bay Area. Scrumbly is not just a local legend—he is a cherished friend and mentor whose generosity has shaped countless lives.
Recently, Scrumbly experienced a heart attack and is preparing for surgery. As he focuses on healing, he faces the challenge of managing medical care, rehabilitation, medications, and daily recovery costs. The road ahead includes specialist visits, physical and cardiac therapy, follow-up care, transportation, home support, and lost income during recovery. Every dollar raised will go directly to his healing and help ease the financial burden so he can concentrate on getting well.
Now it’s our turn to support Scrumbly with the same kindness he has always shown others. Your contributions will make a real difference in his recovery and help him return to the music and community he loves. We’ll share updates on his recovery here. Your support, shares, and messages of love will help bring him back to the piano—and back to the community he has inspired for decades. Donate today and help Scrumbly return stronger than ever.