James Scoolis, Bill Baxmeyer and Jim Conroy, also know as Burning Bad & Cool, were just one of the 12 bands playing at Nifty’s Merrimakers in Baywood Park on Saturday, February 10, at a fundrasier for local guistarist Bruce Willard. Photo by Dean Sullivan
A benefit concert was held for medical expenses to help Bruce Willard, the bassist for several local bands including Dr. Danger, Robi’s Narrow Bridge, Anam Cara, The Mojo Combo, The Three Muskrat Ears, and Hey Mikey! The Melvin Brucifer Show.
Bruce suffered a major cardiac event in December and about 500 friends and fans came together at Niffy’s Merrimaker in Baywood to raise more than $11,000 during the 12-band event.
The goal of the concert was to raise money to gift Bruce a backpack oxygen concentrator so he can be more mobile and continue to work as a musician. Any money raised in excess will be given to Bruce to use for other expenses.
“The place was packed,” said event organizer, Deborah Tullos. “The support of the community for Bruce Willard was amazing. So many people love him, even people that didn’t even know him showed up to support him. We will definitely be able to afford the oxygen concentrator and all the accessories — he will need to be on oxygen the rest of his life.”
