Taos Lifestyle and The Rifters join forces
Host epic benefit concert for Jim Bradley
IN JANUARY, AS THE POWDER-LIKE snow draped over the Taos Ski Valley, Jim Bradley decided to take five during a day of powder skiing. During his mid-day break, however, Bradley slipped and fell — hard. His back hit the concrete floor and his head smacked so hard that his ski helmet broke on impact. Bradley, a long-time Taos resident, native New Mexican, and lauded for his powerful rhythmic bass and rich vocals as part of the popular band, The Rifters, headed home attempting to shake off the force of the fall.
Over the next few weeks, Bradley’s
symptoms continued to decline and ultimately, he visited the emergency room. Almost immediately, the musician was air-lifted to Denver, where surgeons were waiting to operate to relieve the pressure on his skull from an acute brain bleed.
“We expected him to be in the hospital for weeks, but he was released a few days later,” explained fellow musician and bandmate, Don Richmond, from his home in Colorado.
Richmond and Bradley have known one another for decades, playing together off-and-on as different musicians cycled through various bands and gigs. “We were all playing a similar style of acoustic-oriented music that I’ve come to associate with Taos,” said Richmond of the close-knit musical community. “It’s a Southwestern Americana, singer-songwriter style with elements of folk, country and bluegrass. Bill and Michael Hearne laid down the blueprint for that and it has drawn some really talented musicians to this area.”
Those talented musicians come together to play for their enthusiastic audiences but also to play for one another — especially when one of their own is in need.
On Saturday April 8, from 4-10 p.m., Mary Domito is graciously opening her doors to Taos Lifestyle for a concert to benefit Bradley’s medical bills.
Medicare covered a portion of Bradley’s medical bills, but things like life-saving helicopter transports do not fall under its coverage. Richmond, with a subtle play on words, explained, “the musician’s Universal Healthcare Plan rides again,” as he described a nonexistent musician healthcare plan.
Some cities, like Austin have a designated healthcare plan for musicians, but they tend to be rare. Rather than an all-encompassing insurance plan, musicians will descend on Domito’s Taos Lifestyle store and all proceeds will go to Bradley.
As we spoke, Richmond was still ironing out the details of the schedule, but by making a donation at the door for a neighbor in need, Taoseños can expect to hear Chris Arellano, Jimmy Stadler, Eliza Gilkyson, Bill Hearne, Susan Gibson, The Rifters, and the official reunion of the Hired Hands.
“Susan Gibson is coming in from Wimberley, Texas,” Richmond explained of the singer-songwriter who penned “Wide Open Spaces” made popular by The Chicks. Gilkyson, who recorded her latest album at Howlin’
Dog Records, Richmond’s studio in Alamosa, will play and likely join The Rifters for a song or two. “I’m sure we’ll wind up playing together,” said Richmond with a mixture of anticipation and humility. “Everyone who is planning to play is so talented. It will be quite a bit of cross-pollination, a real brother and sisterhood coming together to support Jim.”
Domito, recognized for her generous support of the community, will provide the space and has secured Lucky’s Tacos food truck for the evening. “I’ve known Mary for years and have always marveled at all she does and her great support for music and musicians. I was concerned about messing up her store and didn’t want to ask, but she heard we were looking for a venue and offered. We are extremely grateful and, the added bonus is, the audience will be in very comfortable seats! I encourage everyone to come out and support Jim and listen to some amazing music.”
Admission for the concert is a donation at the Taos Lifestyle door, located at 815 Paseo del Pueblo Sur. “We are so grateful Jim is okay and it will be special to hear him play alongside an amazing lineup of musicians. We are looking forward to this community event,” added Domito.