This fundraiser is for Walter Earl — a longtime Bay Area jazz pianist, producer, and songwriter. Over the years, Walter has worked with legends like Herbie Lewis, Bernard Wright, Richie Havens, and Narada Michael Walden, and regularly performs with his own group, the Walter Earl Group, featuring some of the Bay Area’s finest musicians.

What many don’t know is that for the last several years, Walter has been quietly living with multiple myeloma, a serious and painful form of blood cancer that attacks the bones. He experiences deep, constant pain — even simple movements can bring sharp, debilitating aches, making daily tasks a challenge.

Last year, Walter moved from an SRO in San Francisco’s Tenderloin to a more stable home in San Leandro. While the move was a step forward in many ways, it also came with challenges. His public assistance has been reduced, and he’s now navigating a complex medical system in a new city — all while trying to manage his health, pay rent, and stay connected to his music.

Walter receives SSI income and has medical care, but it’s not enough to cover all of his needs. He recently moved into more stable housing in San Leandro, which has brought new expenses, and his aging computer has made it increasingly difficult to record and share his music.

This fundraiser will help cover essentials like rent, food, and ongoing health costs — but most importantly, it will help Walter stay connected to his music by funding a new computer and other tools he needs to keep creating. Music is his lifeline, and your support ensures he can continue to heal, inspire, and bring people together through his art.

Walter has been through a lot of hardship and continues to create community and lasting friendships through his musical gifts and positive energy. You can read about his journey from homelessness to a new beginning in this 2014 article from the San Francisco Chronicle and see more of his music on his website here.