NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — COVID-19 has changed the way musicians have been able to earn a paycheck. Broadway musician, Blind Joe, has taken his talents online.
Joe Bommersbach, who goes by Blind Joe, used to play the Broadway circuit all the time.
Blind Joe was a contestant on the show “The Voice” in 2015. He decided to move to Nashville with his wife six months ago to pursue his passion for music. That passion is also his livelihood.
COVID-19 has made that extremely difficult for him.
"It's impacted us greatly," Blind Joe said, "our living would come from tips we make on Broadway. Now I've been out of work for a little over a month now."
This has forced him to switch gears in how he earns a paycheck.
Blind Joe has taken his talents to Facebook live, putting on performances every Wednesday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. CT in what he calls “Lockdown Live”
"They don’t have to pay for a concert ticket, they can justt sit at home and rock out," Blind Joe said.
Blind Joe has made it easy to send him your tips in the comfort of your own living room all you have to do is go on his website
On his website there’s a donate button that folks can click. If you like what you hear, you can send him a “virtual tip” to show your appreciation. Blind Joe says every bit helps.
"I was denied unemployment and we haven't received our stimulus checks yet so floating through facebook and hoping for the best," Blind Joe said.
Blind Joe is doing his part to give back during this tough time as well. He is putting on a special performance Thursday night at 7 p.m. CT to raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Ther performance will be on his facebook page. He says 100 percent of the money he makes will be donated to them. If you want more details, click here.
