Let’s Go Crazy: Meals, Music & Matthew

Supporting Matthew Kurzman Through Cancer Treatment For those who know Matthew, asking for help probably isn't the first thing that comes naturally to him. But right now, he could genuinely use some help from the community he has spent years bringing together. Earlier this summer, Matthew shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer after doctors discovered tumors in his neck and leg. The tumor in his leg has significantly affected his mobility, and he is currently using a walker, unable to drive, and spending much of his time resting at home. The tumor in his neck has also been the source of constant pain. Matthew is now undergoing chemotherapy, and there have already been some encouraging signs. After his third treatment, his oncologist was pleased with his bloodwork and felt comfortable increasing the dosage for his next round. The hope is that after six treatments, doctors may be able to remove the tumor in his leg and replace his hip. Best case, Matthew may be walking again by November. Treatment for the tumor in his neck will likely continue beyond that. In the meantime, ordinary things most of us don't think twice about—preparing a meal, carrying food or a full water bottle across the house, cleaning up the kitchen, or running an errand—have become difficult. That's where we come in. Many people know Matthew through Front Yard Concerts, something he started almost accidentally during the COVID lockdown. On June 13, 2020, Mississippi Bastard Project played a socially distanced show in his front yard. The next day, cellist Bri Sargent performed. Matthew quickly realized these little concerts could do two things desperately needed at the time: give his musician friends an opportunity to earn some money when gigs had disappeared, and give his neighbors a safe way to come together and experience live music again. So he kept going. Front Yard Concerts grew to two or three shows nearly every weekend, with 86 performances in its first year alone, bringing musicians, friends and neighbors together during an incredibly isolating time. In a strange time when so much of normal life had stopped, Matthew found a way to keep the music playing and bring a little joy back to his corner of Dallas. He has said it is the thing he is most proud of. With the help of grant funding, the project continued all the way through 2025. That tells you quite a bit about Matthew. He's also an incredibly talented interior designer with a gift for seeing possibility where other people might not. He's taken old East Dallas houses in their original condition and transformed them into beautiful ones, somehow seeing what they could become long before anyone else could. And then there's the music. Live music has been part of Matthew's life for decades, but nothing compares 2 his love of Prince. He's seen him perform more times than most of us can count, collected recordings, traveled for shows, chased down after-parties, and accumulated enough Prince stories to fill a book. Those who know Matthew already know this. Those who don't... ask him about Prince when you have several hours available. Now it's our turn to create a little community around Matthew. This page is here to make that easy without putting the burden of coordinating everything on him. A home-cooked meal, groceries or delivery, an errand, or an hour spent helping around the house can make a meaningful difference while Matthew puts his energy toward chemotherapy, healing, and getting back on his feet. These may be some difficult signs o' the times, but Matthew recently wrote that he's looking forward to "kicking cancer's ass and celebrating with more shows for the community." We'd very much like to see that happen. Until then, let's take care of the guy who opened his front yard to musicians, friends, neighbors, and strangers when people needed somewhere to come together. One meal, one errand, one visit, one small act at a time.