For the past five years, I have been teaching guitar part-time at Tunefoolery, a non-profit organization comprised of musicians with psychiatric disabilities.  Tunefoolery has changed my life as musician, guitar teacher and human being.  When I started working there in 2006, I knew nothing about mental illness.  I had never had any direct experience with psychosis, schizophrenia, or trauma, but through my work and time at Tunefoolery, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to witness the extraordinarily capabilities and musicianship of a group people who have a hard time integrating with society.

Since 1994, Tunefoolery’s simple, yet powerful message has been to emphasize people’s strengths by focusing on their abilities; not disabilities. Tunefoolery’s 50 musicians perform (as solo acts and in ensembles) at hospitals, nursing homes and other venues where quality live music is needed. The span of styles range from rock ‘n’ roll to classical.  Tunefoolery also provides their members with discounted guitar and voice lessons.

I believe that Tunefoolery represents a profound development in the awareness, acceptance, and care for mental illness in our community.  Their work is helping erase the social stigma of mental illness, and educating us that we all exist on a mental health continuum – just as we do with our physical health.

I am putting together an awareness concert for Tunefoolery on Friday, August 19th at the LilyPad (1353 Cambridge Street, Cambridge MA) – 7pm.  My goal of this concert to raise awareness about what mental illness is and what it is not, and to help help “Stop The Stigma” by booking boston-based musicians and Tunefoolery members on a collaborative bill.  Performers include Mali Sastri, Tony Leva and Raky Sastri (of Jaggery), Sarah Rabdau (of Sarah Rabdau & The Self-Employed Assassins), Molly Zenobia, Lainey SchoolTree, Brian King (of What Time Is It Mr. Fox), myself (Brendan Burns), and seven Tunefoolery members.  The evening will be hosted by Jens Rybo (director of Tunefoolery), Aimee Rose Ranger & Brendan Burns, and will showcase a collection of music from all artists as well information about Tunefoolery and mental illness in general.

STOP THE STIGMA

An Awareness Concert for Tunefoolery

7pm Friday, August 19th @ the LilyPad ($8)

1353 Mass Ave. (Inman Sq), Cambridge