Tune In & Tune Up has had a productive few years. The organization is a health and awareness program that helps local musicians obtain mental health and other services and has given $25,000 to the music community since its inception. The team, co-chaired by musician Don Culp and retired physician. Al Puerini, has worked hard and done a lot of outreach to get eyes on their mission and services, alongside everything else that comes with running a non-profit. The past year especially has seen a lot of progress in hopes of helping many musicians and artists for years to come. “Doc and I have a fantastic relationship and we share a passion along with our amazing new board to sincerely and honestly connect and help our RI music workers in the best way we can,” Culp says. “We focus our mission on helping musicians and their staff with all medical and behavioral health issues,” Puerini adds. “And so far it has been gratifying.”
The organization started in 2011 as an idea Culp had while discussing musicians that passed away during a Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame advisory board meeting. His research showed him that their passing away had a direct connection to their physical and mental health. COVID pushed things back a bit, but 2023 saw a team of dedicated people coming together to provide services for local musicians and their spouses. Tune In Tune Up isn’t oriented toward the Taylor Swifts of the world, but for the many full-time music professionals whose dedication to the art and gig-based nature of the job have left them struggling with irregular schedules and physically demanding work while they fall into the gaps of existing healthcare support structures. “This past year has been more organizational than philanthropic,” Puerini says of the progress they made in 2024. “We have formed a 501c3 and are recognized as a non-profit organization by the IRS. We assembled an 11-person Board of Directors made up of musicians, a physician, a graphic designer, an organizer, a marketing professional, and two behavioral health providers.” Fundraising is a necessary tool for any organization that thrives on assisting others.
Though their main focus was on becoming a non-profit, they hosted ALSTOCK IV, an outdoor event featuring music from Superchief Trio and John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. “It was a huge success, thanks to our extremely generous donors,” Puerini says. 2025 already has two fundraisers scheduled. “Give The Drummer Some,” a unique event featuring several local drummers with full bands, will take place in May at The Met. Puerini and Culp wanted to highlight great drummers who are often relegated to the background.
ALSTOCK V will happen in June with two local bands that haven’t been announced yet. The most important aspect of Tune In & Tune Up is aiding community musicians and their staff struggling with physical and mental health needs. They have helped several local musicians, including one with cancer, another with a leg amputation due to diabetes, and another with a chronic illness. “It has always been my pleasure to help raise money for the Tune In and Tune Up RI Musician’s Health Awareness Program,” Phil Pemberton, lead singer of Roomful of Blues, says of his experience. “When I found myself in need unexpectedly, they came through for me with funds that I used to help feed my family while I was in the ICU.” “I had the pleasure and honor several times to play in benefits for TITU and then when I needed them after a major surgery they were there for me,” says saxophone legend Doug James. “It really helped putting food on the table and easing stress. These guys really care about the music community.”
The board at Tune In & Tune Up are working diligently to become a name that local musicians trust and seek out for support in 2025 and beyond. Their non-profit status opens a lot of doors that they are just starting to explore. “With our new status we feel that the sky’s the limit,” Puerini concludes. “As a Board, we are devising ways we can continue to support our local musicians in meaningful ways. The community musicians and their staff are benefitting from our efforts and are very appreciative. We are all excited about our future.” “I am so appreciative of this organization. It’s run really well and comes through for musicians in need,” Pemberton adds. “Thank you, and please support this non-profit program. They truly do care about our community.” •
Photo: L-R: Al Puerini, Phil Pemberton and Don Culp