Pamela Chelin

Inside The Day That Music Cares At Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, A Reminder Of "The Depth Of The Power Of Music"

A diverse group of music people paid it forward by packaging more than 1,700 boxes of food for individuals in need during the first-ever The Day That Music Cares. Hear from some of the volunteers on how impactful the event was for everyone involved.

Body Text 1 - The Day That Music Cares LA Event Recap

<span>Blazing temperatures in the 90s in Los Angeles on July 28 didn't stop volunteers from participating in the inaugural The Day That Music Cares, a day of service for music professionals and fans alike.</span>

<span>From musicians to publicists to artist managers, 50 volunteers from across all areas of the music industry donated their time to work morning and afternoon shifts on an assembly line at Los Angeles Regional Food Bank making, labeling and filling boxes with non-perishable food items including granola bars, peanut butter, chunk white chicken, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce and black beans. By day's end, volunteers had packed 1,762 boxes to be distributed to individuals who are in need.</span>

<span>"It's super important work," Los Angeles Regional Food Bank Volunteer Engagement &amp; Outreach Coordinator Billy Tettemer says. "I can't think of something as important as feeding people who really need it."</span>

<span>Tettemer explains that the boxes of food are sent to both drive-thru and walk-up distribution sites where individuals who are in need can show up and obtain a kit. For individuals, like the elderly, who are unable to get to the distribution sites themselves, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank partners with groups including DoorDash that deliver the kits directly to people's homes.</span>

<span>Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares, who was on-hand volunteering, says the desire to have a day of service had been circulating around various branches of the Recording Academy for several years, with the aftermath of the pandemic prompting the call to action.</span>

<span>"After the pandemic, we, at MusiCares, started thinking about how we could encourage the community to reconnect in new ways and how we could start to heal after everything we've been through as an industry," she continues. "And this idea came to life again, this idea of service and doing something to bring the community together in a new way, so across the whole family of GRAMMY organizations, we all agreed to put our energy behind starting a day of service for the music industry."</span>

Body Text 2 - The Day That Music Cares LA Event Recap

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<span>As to the overall mission of The Day That Music Cares, Segura says it's twofold. "First and foremost, the goal is to inspire music people and the people who love music to connect with their communities and the causes that they care about, and to remind us of the depth of the power of music," she says. "The second goal would be the huge impact that's possible by all the good that people are going to choose to do today."</span>

<span>BMG publicist Leo Lavoro — who was in Los Angeles from New York to work with notable artists including Bryan Adams and Slipknot's Corey Taylor — took time out of his busy schedule to spend the afternoon volunteering. A new member of the Recording Academy, Lavoro says there was nowhere he'd rather be than contributing his time and energy to such a worthwhile cause. "As my first step forward with the Recording Academy, what better way to celebrate than by giving back to those who need it most," he says.</span>

<span>Sam Yun, a record producer and guitarist who has toured with the likes of Demi Lovato, Alessia Cara and John Mayer, also notes the significance of a national day of service.</span> <span>"It's important because it brings everyone together for a good cause," he says.</span>

<span>A native Angeleno, Yun says he's especially keen to help those who need food after growing up in Koreatown, where he spent a lot of time around those who were struggling financially. "I know how difficult it can be to provide food for your family," he says.</span>

**<span>Read More:</span>**<span> </span>[<span>4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Becoming A Living Kidney Donor</span>](https://www.musicares.org/news/national-kidney-month-living-donor-how-to-donate-registry-transplant-disease-research-awareness)

<span>Moving forward, The Day That Music Cares will be held annually in April to coincide with National Volunteer month. Segura asserts that next year's day of service will be even bigger.</span>

<span>"It will expand a lot once we can spread the word in a bigger way," she says. "This first time was very grassroots. It was friends of friends and family and everyone telling one another that this is something passionate that everyone wanted to participate in."</span>

<span>Next year, we will have proof points of how special this can really be. We can do much more concerted outreach across the entirety of the music industry," Segura continues. "We can get more artists involved and they can tell their fans, because we'll be able to demonstrate what we did just on this first launch."</span>

<span>What's more, Segura says any act of service suffices, whether it's sweeping a neighbor's driveway or volunteering at an animal shelter.</span>

<span>"It's really just to encourage anyone who works in music or who loves music to take an act of service on the day that music cares," she explains. "It's about finding which cause sparks your heart and then taking some time out of your day to go and do something that helps that call."</span>

[<span>Staff Spotlight: Communications Manager Kate Ferber Details Her Journey From Musician To Helping Music People In Need</span>](https://www.musicares.org/news/kate-ferber-communications-manager-marketing-singer-musician-yoga-instructor-staff-spotlight-mission-messaging)

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Inside The LA Day That Music Cares Volunteer Event

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Hero: The Day That Music Cares LA Event Recap

A group of volunteers, including MusiCares' Executive Director, Laura Segura (holding sign on the right), at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

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The Day That Music Cares LA Event Photo

Breana Phelps

Staff Spotlight: Brendan Berry On Why Being A Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services Client Manager Is A Full-Circle "Dream Job"

Years before joining the MusiCares team in 2022, Brendan Berry was on his own recovery journey. Now, as part of the Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services Team, he's been able to help others on their path to a healthier, happier life.

Body Text 1 - Brendan Berry Staff Spotlight

<span>Brendan Berry plays an integral role in providing vital support to the music community. As a Client Manager on MusiCares' Mental Health &amp; Addiction Recovery Services Team, he has helped with assistance and placement for inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment and psychotherapy, free nationwide recovery and mental health support groups, psychotherapy referrals, sober-safe spaces at events, distribution and training on the use of naloxone (a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses), and more.</span>

<span>During his first year at MusiCares, Brendan led the way in launching the "</span>[<span>Musicians in Recovery</span>](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ouCZQkr0Fs&list=PLH9bmYI-YYFu70QPnKJ9-1IkODzsL3Doe)<span>" series in partnership with</span> [<span>Sober 21</span>](https://thecreativeindependent.com/library/sober-21/)<span>. This series of panels brings artists together to share their personal experiences getting sober in the music world.</span>

<span>Below, learn more about Brendan's role at MusiCares and his dedication to normalizing conversations surrounding mental health and recovery.</span>

**<span>What does your job entail?</span>**

<span>When a music industry professional reaches out to MusiCares for help related to mental health or any addiction, I will help find them the best possible treatment.</span> *<span>And</span>*<span>, MusiCares will offer you a grant to pay for some, most, or all of your treatment!</span>

<span>Asking for help can be scary. I am part of a clinical team that will safely, confidentially and compassionately support you in finding the right treatment for you.</span>

<span>If you are a professional in the music industry and need help with mental health or addiction treatment, please give MusiCares a call or shoot us an email. If you think that you need help, but you aren't sure what you need, please give us a call. If you are scared or confused, give us a call.</span>

**<span>What led you to a career in Mental Health &amp; Addiction Recovery Services at MusiCares?</span>**

<span>When I was 21 years old, I experienced a series of traumatic events related to my abusive relationship with drugs and alcohol. Those events were the catalyst for me finding recovery.</span>

<span>My recovery journey was also a path to self-discovery. What I uncovered is that I have two primary passions in life: music and service to others. I spent my twenties composing music for film/tv and committing much of my time to supporting other young adults in their process of recovering from substance use disorder.</span>

<span>Eventually, I decided to combine my two passions and received my master's degree in Music Therapy from NYU. From there, I became a board certified and licensed music therapist, and worked in acute psychiatry in Brooklyn, New York and Los Angeles, all while continuing to compose and produce music.</span>

<span>In 2020, I became a GRAMMY-winning artist — which is wild. In 2022, a friend that works at MusiCares dropped a hint about a Client Manager position on the Mental Health Addiction Recovery Services team, and I heard, "Brendan! This is the Universe speaking! HERE IS YOUR DREAM JOB!" Now I get to help amazing people while doing important work. </span>

**<span>What inspires you the most about working at MusiCares on the Mental Health &amp; Addiction Recovery Services Team?</span>**

<span>Music is a powerful tool for communication. It allows artists to share their ups and downs; and gives listeners the opportunity to connect and relate. Then there is the immeasurable talent and hard work of the supporting casts who help bring us those powerful recordings and live music experiences. </span>

<span>We watch and hear of the struggles of various artists, but many more suffer in silence. Far too often we culturally normalize or glorify that suffering. Working with MusiCares allows me to play a part in normalizing wellness, recovery, and healthy living. I get to play a small but important part of shifting the narrative and supporting positive change in the music industry, one person at a time. When one person recovers or heals, we get to see it. We get to hear it. We get to feel it. That is what inspires me. </span>

**<span>Do you have any advice for music professionals when it comes to prioritizing their mental health and/or sobriety while facing the industry's unique challenges?</span>**

<span>Forming positive habits to prioritize the wellness of your whole self can help set you up for long term success: diet, exercise, therapy, sleep, support groups, relationships, religion, art, music, meditation, etc. Listen to your gut, but also listen to your tribe. Sometimes we can't see when we are struggling, and that's when we need to hear the perspective of others.  </span>

**<span>What keeps you motivated at work?</span>**

<span>Every time someone calls or emails the Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Team  asking about treatment, I light up. I get excited, because that person is exercising enormous courage to reach out and ask for help. That person is walking through discomfort and fear, and has the opportunity to embark on a life changing or life saving process, and I get to play a small part in their recovery/treatment journey. </span>

**<span>What are you most proud of in the last year at MusiCares? What are you looking forward to?</span>**

<span>In the last year of working at MusiCares, I have felt so grateful and proud to be a part of such an incredible team of healers, helpers, and overall rock stars! In particular, \[fellow Client Manager\] Carie Salas has been one of the best coworkers I could ask for. </span>

<span>I look forward to continuing to grow our "Musicians in Recovery" series. Normalizing conversations about recovery and sobriety is really important work, and we have had some brilliant artists share their salient and inspiring stories so far. I can't wait to share more of those experiences in the months to come!</span>

[<span>Staff Spotlight: Human Services Client Manager Robert Taylor Jr. On Using His Experiences To "Elevate The Voices Of The Music Community"</span>](https://www.musicares.org/news/robert-taylor-jr-human-services-client-manager-singer-artist-staff-spotlight)

Staff Spotlight: Client Manager Brendan Berry

Hero: Brendan Berry Staff Spotlight

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Brendan Berry Staff Spotlight Hero

Staff Spotlight: Managing Director of Health Services Stefanie Curtiss On Prioritizing Self-Care & Wellness in the Music Industry

A member of the MusiCares team since 2014, Stefanie Curtiss is familiar with the struggles music professionals often face — and being able to create a safe space for individuals to process going through difficult times is what keeps her most inspired.

Stefanie Curtiss -

<span>Stefanie Curtiss has been a part of the MusiCares Team for nine years now. As Managing Director of Health Services, she plays an integral role in providing supportive services and programs including medical services, dental services, hearing health services, preventative care, wellness education and more to the music community in need.</span>

<span>Below, learn more about Stefanie's role at MusiCares, her dedication to serving the music community and her tips for prioritizing wellness and self-care.</span>

*Photo courtesy of Stefanie Curtiss.*

**<span>What does your job entail?</span>**

<span>As the Managing Director of Health Services here at MusiCares, I proudly assist individuals through the MusiCares grant process helping to facilitate emergency financial assistance relief for those going through difficult times in life caused by illness, injury or other medical challenges.</span>

<span>I also work with healthcare providers to create preventative health and educational programs to help music industry professionals prioritize self-care while working in an industry that can make wellness and self-care a particular challenge.</span>

<span>Most recently myself and the other Health Services team members rolled out a bi-annual clinic model focusing on specific preventative care needs that most industry professionals don't currently have access to. Twice a year, MusiCares now offers vision, dental and music industry as athlete's clinics.</span>

<span>The ultimate goal is that industry professionals will know which 2 months a year MusiCares is providing these specific services so they can plan ahead to secure appointments regardless of whether they are on or off the road.</span>

**<span>What led you to a career in Health Services at MusiCares?</span>**

<span>I am a middle child, and grew up in a family with an alcoholic father, so from a young age I have been very empathic and had a strong desire to provide care for others.</span>

<span>I believe life is hard at times for all of us and everyone deserves a safe space to be vulnerable, process what they are going through and receive help brainstorming next steps to get through it.</span>

<span>After graduating with my Masters in Clinical Psychology, prior to joining the MusiCares team, I spent several years working with a variety of populations trying to see where I felt I could be the most impactful.</span>

<span>I was very lucky to have some amazing experiences working at a psychiatric hospital working with ADHD children and adults, providing individual and group counseling at an all-male maximum security prison and working under the HR umbrella for a large restaurant company where I would go onsite to provide counseling for a variety of traumas such as robberies or employee's passing away unexpectedly.</span>

<span>All of these experiences have helped me curate my perspective of acceptance and authenticity which allow me to better support music industry professionals in need. I have been a MusiCares team member since 2014 and cherish the opportunity to support the music community.</span>

**<span>What inspires you the most about working at MusiCares on the Health Services Team?</span>**

<span>To come alongside people while they navigate some of their most difficult moments is a humbling and honor filled role. Being able to create a safe space while individuals process a recent diagnosis, loss or struggle and ensure they know they are being seen and that they deserve the support they are seeking and receiving really inspires me.</span>

<span>All of us prefer to be in the circumstance to provide help rather than need help, and I don't take it for granted that I am allowed to be able to do that on a daily basis.</span>

**<span>What is your current favorite MusiCares health initiative?</span>**

<span>Hearing health is a unique challenge for all music industry professionals. Whether you are on stage performing, by the stage running security or sound or the music journalist or photographer attending and capturing the magic, if you work in the music industry you are going to be exposed to damaging decibel levels an increased amount of time more than most individuals.</span>

<span>Hearing health can be protected and preserved if addressed proactively and intentionally and that is why MusiCares' partnership and services through Tuned, a virtual audiological platform, is something I can't stop talking to folks about when I meet them.</span>

<span>In general, it seems like we all get our hearing screened in school when we are young but then never again until we seek it out independently, typically because we are experiencing issues.</span>

<span>The hearing wellness program through Tuned allows music industry professionals to obtain an annual hearing screening to secure a base line and comparison year over year, a one on one consultation with a music audiologist that can be selected by speciality if desired such as Tinnitus, and protective filtered plugs.</span>

<span>The best part is that all of this is done virtually, wherever you are whenever it is best for you! If you haven't checked it out yet you totally should. I bet after you do you will nerd out about hearing health as much as I do now.</span>

**<span>Do you have any advice for music professionals when it comes to prioritizing their wellness?</span>**

<span>Be intentional, take action when you can and make time to laugh! We live in a very fast paced world that makes time our most precious and limited resource.Working in the music industry many times means working when most others are relaxing and enjoying themselves.</span>

<span>The grind can really take a toll both physically and mentally. Without expectation or reason, attempt to do at least one thing for yourself each day.</span>

<span>Whether that is a walk around the block, a phone call to a trusted friend or setting a five-minute meditation timer on your phone. You deserve and need to pour into yourself while creating and giving so much to the world. </span>

<span>Personally, I keep a running list of free simple ways to provide self-care for myself, so that when I am completely tapped, I pick one to implement. </span>

**<span>What would you say to individuals who are hesitant to reach out to MusiCares?</span>**

<span>I would just love the music community to know that we understand reaching out for help can be scary. Many times, we tell ourselves that we aren't worthy or others need it more. I want everyone to know that they do deserve support and MusiCares is here to provide it when they need it.</span>

<span>In a world where it feels like everyone is judging everything at all times, MusiCares is a safe judgment free zone to seek the help and support you need and deserve.</span>

**<span>What keeps you motivated at work?</span>**

<span>Impact. MusiCares is a unique organization with an extraordinary reach. Very few non-profits have the ability to make such a direct impact on their client's lives. Whether that looks like detox and inpatient care covered in full for someone or funeral cost assistance to a grieving family and community.</span>

<span>The direct impact that the MusiCares organization makes in individuals' lives keeps me motivated to continue doing my part to the best of my ability each and every day.</span>

**<span>What are you most proud of in the last year at MusiCares? What are you looking forward to?</span>**

<span>I know it might sound odd to say but I am most proud of the team here at MusiCares. MusiCares has gone through so much growth and change, especially in the past few years since the pandemic.</span>

<span>Change is hard and scary, even good change!  Additionally, it is a pressure filled position when you know so many people count on you and burn out is a real challenge in the nonprofit field.</span>

<span>I have been so proud to be a part of a team that continues to embrace change and show up and do the hard work each and every day to ensure we provide the best support possible to the music community that gives so much to the world.</span>

Stefanie Curtiss - Embed Image 1 (Sisters)

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Stefanie Curtiss

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<p style="text-align: right">*Stefanie Curtiss with her sister. Photo courtesy of Stefanie Curtiss.*</p>

**<span>We are oftentimes defined by our work. What are some things you dedicate your time to outside of your work at MusiCares?</span>**

<span>I have two wonderful fur babies, Walter and Stanley, who I love to take on walks and to the dog park. This summer has been so hot, we got them a small pool in the backyard and have been chilling in that a bit recently.</span>

<span>I am lucky, and my mom lives nearby. She has some memory problems as she is aging but I get to see her on a weekly basis and we have been trying to see as many of the summer blockbusters as possible now that they are back in theaters.</span>

<span>I have a wonderful husband named Doug, and we love playing golf together. Our goal is to play golf in every state and by the end of this summer we will be well over halfway there.</span>

<span>My twin sister Meghan is my best friend and we are constantly thinking of new adventures to have together whether it is playing a new board game, checking out a silent disco or taking a road trip to see what we can find. I am looking forward to football season and college basketball in the fall too!</span>

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Stefanie Curtiss - CTA

<p style="text-align: right">*Walter and Stanley. Photo courtesy of Stefanie Curtiss.*</p>

[<span>Staff Spotlight: Operations Manager Hannah Kulis On MusiCares' Lifesaving Work And "Monumental" Year</span>](https://www.musicares.org/news/resilience-on-the-road-toolkit-tour-resources-mental-health-wellness-support)

MusiCares' Managing Director of Health Services

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Kate Ferber

MusiCares Launches Resilience On The Road Toolkit, A Guide For Sustaining Mental & Physical Wellness On Tour

The toolkit provides a living suite of resources — including daily actions, recorded panel discussions, and tools for accessible mental, physical, and medical wellness support — to help music people foster and maintain their well-being on the road.

Body Text 1 - Resilience On The Road announcement

<span>For many music professionals, touring is a love-hate relationship. Live shows and travel are a chance to bring music directly to fans, but it can also be mentally, physically and financially draining for music professionals.</span>

<span>The COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain issues have made touring more costly, more unpredictable, and for some music professionals, far less desirable. However, the pandemic has also opened the door to more candid conversations about the difficulties of touring, including several high-visibility artists speaking openly about their decisions to cancel tours. </span>

<span>After more than 30 years providing a critical safety net to music professionals, MusiCares understands what it takes to bring music to the world and the hardships that so many music professionals navigate. With that in mind, MusiCares is pleased to launch the Resilience on the Road Toolkit: a living suite of resources to foster and sustain mental and physical wellness among music professionals on tour.</span>

<span>With this toolkit, MusiCares hopes to help alleviate some of the stressors of the road. MusiCares believes that fostering Resilience on the Road requires four core elements: access to resources and information to make informed choices about physical and mental wellness; affordable and timely mental health support; accessible and high-quality medical and physical wellness; and an underpinning of an empathetic and compassionate community on tour.</span>

<span>These are all available in various forms, from panel discussions to daily actions and reflection prompts, within the toolkit. To preview and register to download the Resilience on the Road toolkit, visit </span>[<span>musicaresresilienceontheroadtoolkit.splashthat.com</span>](http://musicaresresilienceontheroadtoolkit.splashthat.com)<span>.</span>

[<span>How MusiCares Supports Holistic Health &amp; Wellness In The Music Community Year-Round</span>](https://www.musicares.org/news/wellness-holistic-health-programs-clinics-support-groups-women-financial-mental-inclusivity-recovery-hearing-music-community)

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