John Medeski has dedicated his life to learning the language of music.

“I just really love all the things music can be,” said Medeski, a member of the band Medeski Martin & Wood.

With the pandemic forcing the cancellation of live shows, musicians are struggling. The New England Musicians Relief Fund was created at the start of COVID-19. It's raising grant money for hundreds of artists throughout New England and in the Hudson Valley, including Medeski.

“It’s really helpful, you know, just on a lot of levels. To get a little financial help for whatever it is you want to do, whether it’s just paying your bills, whether it’s just to get a piece of equipment so you can keep doing what you’re doing. Whatever it is, it’s really helpful. And it also just means a lot, because it can get a little hopeless out there for musicians right now,” said Medeski.

Hazel Davis is one of the founders of the relief fund.

She says they started it to support freelancers who fell through the cracks of government aid.

After just passing the one-year anniversary of their last concerts, she doesn’t want people to forget that for them, going back to work doesn’t happen overnight.

“This crisis is far from over for musicians. There is light at the end of the tunnel and there are vaccines coming, but even with that, it’s going to be a long time before people are ready to pack into halls,” said Davis, vice president of the New England Musicians Relief Fund.

To apply for a grant or to donate, visit their website.