Luke Bulla
For many bluegrass musicians, performing is both their livelihood and their calling. When illness or injury makes it impossible to play, income can disappear overnight—often without the safety nets or health coverage available in other professions.
That’s why the California Bluegrass Association created the BEAR Fund—the Bluegrass Emergency Assistance Relief Fund—to support bluegrass professionals facing medical emergencies and unexpected hardships.
When acclaimed fiddler and vocalist Luke Bulla faced a serious health challenge that kept him from working, the BEAR Fund helped provide the support he needed to focus on recovery rather than financial uncertainty.
“The BEAR Fund was an absolute lifesaver,” Luke says.
Since its founding, the BEAR Fund has provided nearly $60,000 in emergency grants to bluegrass artists and families facing medical crises.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and the strength of the bluegrass community, musicians who dedicate their lives to this music know they are not alone when hardship strikes.