Mr. Brandy has reached his fundraising goal on HandUp!

Why I'm using HandUp for a free or low-cost, older upright piano.

Up until a few months ago, I was playing piano out of my van every day on Valencia Street and the Haight-Ashbury. After a series of traumatic and taxing events that happened over the last year, I became homeless and lost my income. But things are getting better now that I have a new, taller van that the HandUp program has helped me afford. I am ready to restart my livelihood playing piano out of my van. Having a piano in my van gives me a way to make a living and entertain San Franciscans, as well as providing a free, much needed rehearsal space (studios are incredibly expensive here). I am fundraising for a free acoustic, upright piano and the costs of moving and tuning it. Any support is helpful - thank you!

About me.

I lived in San Francisco since 2011. I played piano for a living out of my van for the past 2 years. Before that I had odd jobs where I was injured multiple times and can no longer perform physical labor. Also, now have compromised my immune system so I have to be careful with what I do and what I eat.

My backstory.

I lived and worked in my van within the city of San Francisco playing an old timey upright piano out of the back doors for the enjoyment of locals and tourists. In February, 2018 I suffered a terrible van crash due to a doctor's over prescribing me a medication that caused a black out. The van was totaled and is now gone. I initially went into the shelters but did not feel safe or healthy there due to their conditions. I am now in a program which is only able to support me for 90 days of which there is only a couple weeks left. At this time, without my van, I am not sure what my next steps look like.

My goals, moving forward.

I'm wishing to get another van so as to once again perform in an outdoor mobile piano show for people as my occupation, my living, and my passion.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

Rehearsing piano and performing makes me happiest as does sharing that with people.