It is a sad-and-sorry but true state of affairs in this country that musicians  (and almost all employees of the music community), unless they're at the Britney Spears income level, don't make a lot of money and don't have a lot of back-up should something happen to them and they are unable to work. We have included some links below for specific musician's who need your help, as well as some of the general funds set up to help them. Thank you for your support!!!


BR549 ~ STOLEN GEAR & EQUIPMENT:
On April 8, 2004, BR549 had their van, trailer, and most of their gear and equipment stolen from the Travelodge By The Space Needle in Seattle, Washington.

There is nothing lower than stealing equipment from hard-working musicians. This is highly personal work that these folks do and their equipment is their babies, as well as what helps them put rent money in their pockets and food on the table - it's not like anyone that plays the Tractor is rich, folks. We could go on, but you get the picture.

Below is a list of what was stolen - if you have any information on this crime, please contact the band, the Tractor, or the Seattle Police Department. And Geoff is offering a $500 reward for the return of his Tiger King bass.

*Tiger King upright bass - natural finish flame maple. S#000010 'geoff firebaugh' written on tag inside bass.
*ampeg svt4pro, S#BTCDQ20053
*Ampeg 610 HLF Cabinet S#BRRRDQ20009
*fender jazz bass green metallic S#MZ3160762
*Korg DTR-1 Pro Rack tuner S#006864
*K&K Quantum Blender Preamp
*Furman Power Conditioner PM-8
*6 Space SKB Roll-X rack case.
*Black bag with 3 sets of gut strings, assorted tools, Underwood pick up, K&K Batter preamp, 'The real Book' , Ray Brown's Bass method book, cables, hand towel, sound post tool, string winder etc.
*ampeg superjet 12-t Guitar amp in road case stenciled 'BR5-49'
*fender vibrolux In Road Case stenciled 'BR549'
*crate v 30 guitar amp in road case stenciled BR5-49
*1974 Ludwig 28" Kick Drum gold sparkle
*1938 Slingerland radio king 13" x 10' rack tom white marine pearl in humes and berg case
*1938 Slingerland Radio King 16" x 14" floor tom, white marine pearl in case
*1965 Chrome over brass Gretsch snare drum
*assorted cymbals including 18" constantinople K.Zildjian crash cymbal, 15" late 50's Zildjian K hi hats.
*hardware in SKB trap case
*Pork pie silver sparkle drum throne.
*7 watt crate tube amp in carrying case.
*two tubs of BR549 t-shirts, 8x10s, stickers and cd's
*one white 15 passenger Ford Econoline van with Tennesee plates.

If you find any of this or have any information, please call Cowboy Keith Thompson at 615-414-2379, The Tractor, or the Seattle Police Department. www.br549.com

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO:
In April of 2003, Al collapsed after a performance due to severe complications from Hepatitis C. Al is like family to this place and we hope you will continue to help him out. Please see www.alejandrofund.com for more information and to make donations.

DUB NARCOTIC SOUND SYSTEM:
Olympia band DNSS (featuring K Records founder and Northwest music scene maven Calvin Johnson) were in a pretty bad car crash in October of 2003. Everyone is okay, but two members did have to be hospitalized. If you would like to make a donation to help them out with hospital bills and other needs, please go to http://kpunk.com/dnssinfopage/index.html for more information.

GUS TRAPP: 
Gus Trapp, the amazing drummer of the Spokane Supergroup, Seawolf (as well as much loved band The Fumes) has had some serious medical problems arise. Gus collapsed November 15th and is in the hospital in a coma after receiving surgery to reduce swelling in his brain.  Because he is without medical benefits, if Gus comes out of the coma, he'll be incredibly challenged to meet the medical bills he is incurring. Furthermore, Gus' girlfriend and two children have been running up serious costs having to stay with him at the hospital. If there's interest in donating directly to Gus' medical bills, Justin of local band The Authorities has volunteered to help handle direct donations for Gus and his family. His email address is justinauthority@yahoo.com

RACk - Resources & Action Collective:
A newly formed organization, RACk's Mission is to act as a conduit for members of the Pacific Northwest Music Community seeking access to physical and mental health related services, support, or education.  We believe we have an obligation to increase awareness about the unique health needs of the Music Community. For information about RACk and what you can do to help, please see:
http://www.pacnwrack.org/

SWEET RELIEF:
Founded by Victoria Williams, Sweet Relief provides assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. Music's most precious resource - - the artist - - sometimes needs protection. Established in 1994, Sweet Relief has helped preserve our most profound art by becoming music's most compassionate and generous charity. Sweet Relief provides financial assistance to musicians of all kinds for medical expenses, alternative therapies, treatment for alcohol or chemical dependency, prescriptions, and living expenses if the artist is unable to work. Sweet Relief also has a new financial assistance program especially for retired or semi-retired older musicians, which helps pay living expenses.
For more information about Sweet Relief, please see http://www.sweetrelief.org/.

MAP - Musician's Assistance Program:
MAP makes it possible for members of the music industry to receive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, regardless of their financial condition. MAP gives these men and women a chance to get their lives back.
http://www.map2000.org

MUSICARES:
The Mission of MusiCares
Established in 1989 by the Recording Academy, MusiCares' mission is to ensure that music people have a compassionate place to turn to in times of need while focusing the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. MusiCares is dedicated to providing a safety net of critical assistance and to treating each case with integrity and confidentiality. Our programs provide much-needed services and resources to individuals in the music community who are confronted by a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies.
For more information, please see http://www.grammy.com/musicares/.