MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Musicians Lifeline is to support and provide charitable assistance to all types of music industry professionals located in the New England region who are struggling to maintain their livelihood, due to illness, disability, age, or unemployment.Musicians Lifeline provides short term financial assistance to qualified individuals and creates connections to other organizations and institutions to help provide additional solutions.
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JIM WHITTEMORE
PRESIDENT
After starting in a high school rock band and later pursuing carpentry, Jim Whittemore rekindled his musical passion after 30 years, jamming weekly with guitarist Burt Teague and percussionist Rob Fried. When Rob faced health issues from POEMS Syndrome, Jim organized a benefit gig. This inspired him to establish the Southern New England Musicians Fund, Inc., aimed at providing “Benefits For Those Without Benefits.” Jim led the effort to achieve non-profit status, and in October 2014, Musicians Lifeline, Inc. was formed.
Gail REINER
SECRETARY
Gail Reiner has always been passionate about music, dance, and art, with a background that includes studying Martha Graham Modern Dance and working for renowned organizations like The Boston Ballet Co. and NYC’s Museum of Modern Art. She was deeply involved in supporting Rob Fried during his illness, which inspired the creation of Musicians Lifeline, Inc.
Gail is also a jewelry creator and works at her family’s business, Mayflower Laundry & Drycleaning.
Pam Broderick
Treasurer
Pamela Broderick is a graduate of Smith College with more than 20 years of experience in corporate management, executive/professional recruiting and sales in the Greater Hartford region. She is an avid music fan and was an integral part of the Southern New England Musicians Fund.
JOHN COLBY
DIRECTOR
John Colby, a Grammy-winning composer, has been a leading producer of sports music, creating iconic themes such as the ESPN SportsCenter theme. As ESPN’s music director from 1984-1993, he shaped the network’s sound. His clients include ESPN, NBC, ABC, and Fox Sports. Colby has served as music director for events like The ESPY Awards and NASCAR Night in Hollywood. He produced soundtracks for two Academy Award nominees and toured with Clarence Clemons. He has performed with legends like Ray Charles and Tony Bennett. Currently, he performs and records with his wife, Bev Rohlehr, in their band, The Colbys.
Christine Ohlman
DIRECTOR
Christine Ohlman, known as “The Beehive Queen” for her iconic platinum-blonde hairdo, is the long-time vocalist for NBC’s Saturday Night Live Band and a queen of American rock and soul. Her critically acclaimed CD, “The Deep End,” earned numerous national Top Ten honors, and she will release a new album, “The Grown-Up Thing,” in 2024. Born in the Bronx and deeply connected to the music scenes in Muscle Shoals, New Orleans, and Nashville, Christine is known for her fiery live shows and storytelling. Inducted into the National Blues Hall of Fame, she appears in the documentary “Bonnie Blue” and contributed vocals to Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” She has collaborated with music legends like Bonnie Raitt, Keb Mo, and Bruce Springsteen and emceed the Celebration of Life for Ronnie Spector. Christine also leads New Orleans Jazz and Heritage benefits with JoJo Hermann of Widespread Panic and has been honored as the Top Female Americana Vocalist by The Alternate Root’s International Readers’ Poll.
Rob Gottfried
Director
Rob Gottfried, known as ROB THE DRUMMER, is a nationally recognized Children’s Motivational Educator, performing his acclaimed “BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE” concert worldwide. Winning contender in Carmine Appice’s “Best Rock Drummer of the United States” competition in LA, Rob has also recorded on Arista Records with renowned Organist, the late Larry Young, played at The Village Gate, and rocked Carnegie Hall for the Newport Jazz Festival. He has performed with Jeff Pevar, Desiree’ Bassett’s “THE TIME MACHINE,” and currently plays with AVENUE GROOVE and ROXY PERRY, the New York Blues Queen.
TIM MCDONALD
DIRECTOR
Tim McDonald is the Director of Affiliate Marketing for GrooveWorx Trailers, producing music for film and media advertising. Originally from Worcester, MA, Tim has worked in LA and San Francisco as a performer, writer, and jingle singer. Known for his agile guitar work and powerhouse vocals, Tim started gigging professionally at 13. He was the singer/lead guitarist for the Charles Biscuit Band in San Francisco before becoming a studio player in LA. Now based in New England, he plays in the Kortchmar-McDonald band and performs solo, band, and studio dates locally.