Donation protected
So many of our friends have suggested we start one of these to help with expenses as we navigate through Bradford being unable to work for an indeterminate amount of time. We've relied on his music as our main source of income and it's been great, but without it we are struggling. I am looking for full time work & we will likely get some help from Musicares but we will be playing catch up for a while nonetheless. In addition, with Brad being unable to take pain medication, we need to access therapies that are not covered by insurance, like massage & acupuncture instead and that can get really expensive.
The amount I'm asking for is less than what was suggested by people but I'm uncomfortable asking for more...I'm happy to put 2 months of expenses out there and if we get more or less be content. We don't have any debt so the amount is just living expenses like rent, gas, groceries, utilities, etc. Anything extra will go toward therapies mentioned above, child care needed for appointments, etc.
From Bradford:
"2018 was a tough year...
I suppose it actually started at the tail end on 2017. That was my busiest year. On top of playing 210 shows and driving 52,879 miles to get to those shows, I packed up the family and moved all the way across the country from Yakima WA to Nashville TN. Somewhere during that move and the the last to legs of touring, I hurt my back.
I've strained my back before and even sprained it once. Man, does that suck! Well, this was different. It wouldn't get better. In fact, it got worse. I had never played a show sitting down. I hated the idea in fact. As a big dude, I feel like I look so much bigger when I sit down. It makes me self conscious. But, I couldn't stand and hold my notes anymore. My back felt so uncomfortable; like it was seized up. I would get out of breath so fast. That's never happened. I'm in Nashville the land of the Songwriter-in the-Round where you HAVE to sit on stools. I discovered that when sitting down, I could sing like I used to!
This year, I lightened the load only booking 145 shows. My buddy and extremely talented musician, Brett Thompson accompanied me on a bunch of my shows this year and he helped carry the load, quite literally. I had a big show at the Triple Door in Seattle this summer with a full band and I figured, I cannot sit with a band. So, I stood. For the whole show. And the rehearsal and sound check.
The next day, I could barely walk. Well, long story longer, it's only gotten worse. I got an MRI and it turns out, I need surgery. Full disclosure: when I was in high school I became straight edge. For me, that meant no drugs or alcohol. I have never been high or even drunk. I'm not kidding. I've never had a surgery or been put under anesthesia of any kind.
I'm a bit terrified. And maybe embarrassed to talk about it. I have to admit, it's been consuming my thoughts. If prayer is your thing, or positive vibes, I would welcome it. I'm going to be taking a break later this month through Feb at least. I'm not sure what the future will bring, but hopefully, the surgery that I have scheduled at the end of January will be successful and I will heal up and be ready to get back on the road..."
The amount I'm asking for is less than what was suggested by people but I'm uncomfortable asking for more...I'm happy to put 2 months of expenses out there and if we get more or less be content. We don't have any debt so the amount is just living expenses like rent, gas, groceries, utilities, etc. Anything extra will go toward therapies mentioned above, child care needed for appointments, etc.
From Bradford:
"2018 was a tough year...
I suppose it actually started at the tail end on 2017. That was my busiest year. On top of playing 210 shows and driving 52,879 miles to get to those shows, I packed up the family and moved all the way across the country from Yakima WA to Nashville TN. Somewhere during that move and the the last to legs of touring, I hurt my back.
I've strained my back before and even sprained it once. Man, does that suck! Well, this was different. It wouldn't get better. In fact, it got worse. I had never played a show sitting down. I hated the idea in fact. As a big dude, I feel like I look so much bigger when I sit down. It makes me self conscious. But, I couldn't stand and hold my notes anymore. My back felt so uncomfortable; like it was seized up. I would get out of breath so fast. That's never happened. I'm in Nashville the land of the Songwriter-in the-Round where you HAVE to sit on stools. I discovered that when sitting down, I could sing like I used to!
This year, I lightened the load only booking 145 shows. My buddy and extremely talented musician, Brett Thompson accompanied me on a bunch of my shows this year and he helped carry the load, quite literally. I had a big show at the Triple Door in Seattle this summer with a full band and I figured, I cannot sit with a band. So, I stood. For the whole show. And the rehearsal and sound check.
The next day, I could barely walk. Well, long story longer, it's only gotten worse. I got an MRI and it turns out, I need surgery. Full disclosure: when I was in high school I became straight edge. For me, that meant no drugs or alcohol. I have never been high or even drunk. I'm not kidding. I've never had a surgery or been put under anesthesia of any kind.
I'm a bit terrified. And maybe embarrassed to talk about it. I have to admit, it's been consuming my thoughts. If prayer is your thing, or positive vibes, I would welcome it. I'm going to be taking a break later this month through Feb at least. I'm not sure what the future will bring, but hopefully, the surgery that I have scheduled at the end of January will be successful and I will heal up and be ready to get back on the road..."
Organizer
Kimberly Loomis
Organizer
Nashville, TN