A GoFundMe Has Been Started to Aid Sean Schumitsch, Who Wally Ingram Calls ‘A Superhero to Our Music Community and Beyond’
A GoFundMe has been established to help Sean Schumitsch, a longtime pillar of the live-music community, and his family. As Schumitsch explains on the page, “My family and I are currently facing an unexpected financial emergency, and I am reaching out to friends, family, and our community for help during a very difficult time. We have JUST 10 Days to accomplish this, pay our mortgage company and keep our home. This is not something we ever expected to ask for, and asking for help is incredibly difficult, but right now we truly need the support of those around us. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference for my family as we work to get through this situation.”
During the pandemic, Schumitsch was instrumental in helping numerous members of the extended music community facilitate PPP loans, enabling them to weather a particularly difficult time when the concert industry shutdown almost overnight.
“Sean Schumitsch was nothing short of a superhero to our music community and beyond during the pandemic,” percussionist, Stockholm Syndrome member and close Phil Lesh collaborator Wally Ingram says. “From his desk at a small bank in Michigan, Sean helped facilitate PPP loans to dozens offering a lifeline to so many of us.”
Funds raised through the GoFundMe will go directly toward Schumitsch’s immediate emergency expenses and to help his family get back on stable ground. He goes on to explain, “Your support will give us the time and stability we need to navigate this challenge and move forward. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would mean just as much to us. Even a simple share could help us reach someone who is in a position to help. We are incredibly grateful for any support, encouragement, prayers, and kindness you can offer. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for standing with my family during this difficult chapter.”
“I’ll be forever grateful for his generosity and willingness to take any all referrals and do what he could for them even down to the very last day that the programs were offered,” Ingram adds. “When I heard that now he could use some help navigating through some rough waters… I didn’t hesitate to try and circle the wagons for support. The musicians are always the first to be called upon for every kind of emergency it seems… That’s what we do.! Sean helped us, now it’s time to help Sean and his family.”
Aug 22+23: The Heart of Gold Band: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay @ Mystic Theater
A Celebration of the Life and Music of Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay
The Heart of Gold Band
Featuring Steve Kimock, Greg Anton, Zion Rock Godchaux, David Mackay, Maria Muldaur, Brian Godchaux, Mookie Siegel, Wally Ingram w/ Kinsman Mackay, Frank Goodman plus special guests
August 22 & 23, 2026
Mystic Theatre
Petaluma, CA
BUY TICKETS: 8.22.26 + 8.23.26
A Portion of the Proceeds to Benefit
Alive Hospice and Camp Winnarainbow
Donna Jean Godchaux MacKay will always be remembered for the lustrous vocals and lovely demeanor she brought to her near-decade in the Grateful Dead. But when she and her husband Keith moved on, they founded the Heart of Gold Band. To honor her passing (November 2, 2025) and celebrate her life (and her birthday, August 22nd), the Heart of Gold Band and a number of friends and family will assemble at the Mystic Theatre for two nights of music, joy, sweet memories and probably a few tears. They’ll play tunes from throughout her career, from Muscle Shoals to Egypt and beyond.
Donna Jean Thatcher was born in Florence, Alabama, and by the time she was in high school, she was singing harmonies at the two studios that created the legendary “Muscle Shoals Sound,” including Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” and Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds.” She moved to California, met and married Keith Godchaux, and then introduced herself to Jerry Garcia: “I need your phone number, because my husband is going to be your new keyboard player.” She was right. She also brought her exquisite voice to
the band.
Keith Godchaux’s untimely death in 1980 brought an unfortunate end to the Heart of Gold Band, but the partnership of Steve Kimock and Greg Anton it created led to the band Zero and a great deal more memorable music.Donna Jean was one of the sweetest and most-loved women ever. She touched countless hearts and now we gather in love and gratitude to celebrate her spirit, the music and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
HOUSE OF LOVE 3 ~ ft. CASA DEL SOL + Tree Adams + Scott Law + Dale Fanning + Chris Haugen + Wally Ingram + Special Guests @ Boom Boom Room ~ San Francisco, CA ~ May 28th
5/3: Papa Mali’s Polyester Birthday Party: An All Star Tribute to David Lindley feat. Wally Ingram
Papa Mali’s Polyester Birthday Party: An All Star Tribute to David Lindley feat. Wally Ingram
05/03/26
New Orleans, LA
Chickie Wah Wah / Time: 10:30pm
Buy Tickets!
Feb 21+22: Jerry Joseph & Wally Ingram Duo in the NW for Two Shows!






