Barry Brandon

http://www.projectqatlanta.com/news_articles/view/Bookmark_This_Outwrites_June_events/ - Project Q Atlanta

Barry Brandon opens his heart
After eight open-heart surgeries, musician debuts new EP, film
By MATT SCHAFER, Southern Voice | Jun 10 2009, 1:00 PM


Barry Brandon performs at Outwrite on Friday.
Barry Brandon was not supposed to live long enough to make music.

He had his first open heart surgery days after his birth, and had undergone three more by his fifth birthday, all trying to correct a problem that doctors couldn’t even name.

“Most of my [childhood] memories are in the hospitals… I spent a lot of birthdays and holidays in the hospital,” Brandon says. “They didn’t know what was wrong, so sometimes it would be like we’d go to the doctor and they’d do an exam and say, ‘Well, let’s do this surgery,’ and I’d be back in the hospital.”

The first several surgeries were at hospitals near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., but eventually his family began to travel to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where doctors were willing to perform experimental pediatric surgeries and he was finally diagnosed with Shoenes Syndrome, which damaged the left side of his heart.

Traveling from south Florida to Alabama took a toll on his family.
“I feel like growing up, my mom never really worked, she literally lived in the hospital with me, she lived on hospital beds, she lived in the hospital,” he says.

Brandon’s mother accompanied him through every procedure he’s undergone, including his eighth, and hopefully final, open-heart surgery in 2008.

“There’s never really an answer. For the sixth [surgery] they said that was the last one, and then with the seventh they said that was the last one, and then with the eighth one, everything had gone wrong and they had to go in again,” he said. “Eight is a good number; I think eight surgeries is enough.”

As Brandon prepared to allow doctors to split his chest open for the eighth time in 28 years, he decided to use that moment to help others. He and several friends filmed a documentary, “The Tin Man Project,” that followed him through surgery.

“I think it’s important for adults or kids who are going in for their first surgery that they know someone has gone through it before,” he says.
Now on the other side of his procedure, Brandon says he found the energy to create his own music.

“I think for a lot of the time I felt sort of trapped,” he says. “I always knew that I wanted to do something in the arts, theater, whatever it was. I knew I wanted to sing, that was always my thing, but I was never really comfortable doing anything because I never felt entirely healthy.”

The first two stops touring for his new EP, “Scar to Scar,” will be in Atlanta. He says his style is very much targeted at the gay club scene.
“It’s dance-y electro pop; it’s really more Robin, Calvin Harris,” he says, before adding with a laugh, “I’m gay Robin, I’m the gay Lady GaGa, what can I say.”

Brandon’s first album, “The Musical Theatre Album,” was released in 2006 after his seventh surgery.

He will debut a couple of the tracks from the new EP at Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse on June 12 and then perform a full live show at The Shakespeare Tavern on June 16.

“I am incorporating a bunch of artists from Atlanta who I’ve known for years in the show. Veronica Brooks, who is a drag queen but is also a pianist, and has been my accompanist for years,” Brandon says.

Brandon has lived in Atlanta twice, for a total of almost six years — enough time that in spite of living in New York, he felt that Atlanta was the natural place to debut his album.

“I don’t know what it is, but it seems like people there are more helpful, more caring than in New York or Fort Lauderdale,” he says. “It feels very homey.”

Brandon is also using his Atlanta performances to promote The Heart Foundation, a charity he is starting to help families deal with the non-medical costs of hospitalization. For the foundation, he uses his full name, Barry Brandon Squillace.

The foundation is still in the process of gaining non-profit status, but eventually Brandon would like to help families with the expense of supporting loved ones, and helping take care of household expenses while families are out of work. The “Tin Man Project” is a fundraiser for the foundation, and several artists have also signed up to give their work as incentives for donors.

“Family and support is just such an important part of the healing process … The goal is basically to have money available for the things that are needed,” Brandon says.

Barry Brandon
June 12, 8 p.m.
Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse
991 Piedmont Ave.
404-607-0082
www.outwritebooks.com

Barry Brandon in concert
June 16, 7 p.m.
The New American Shakespeare Tavern
499 Peachtree St. NE
404-874-5299
www.shakespearetavern.com

The Heart Foundation
www.theheartfoundationcharity.org - Sovo

Music of the heart
Local independent musician looks to raise money for sick children in wake of his own lifelong struggle
HOME > COMMUNITY > COMMUNITY FEATURE

Friday, Aug 11, 2006 | By: ZACK HUDSON | COMMENTS |

Only fools rush in where angels fear to tread. So if you see Barry Brandon on the street, kindly step out of his way.

With his debut album to promote, a shot at joining the Broadway cast of “Rent,” a commitment to roles in two upcoming local shows, and a fledgling nonprofit foundation to build, the gay entertainer from Dunwoody is busy, to say the least.

And that’s just this month.

“I’ve just been really happy and fulfilled, and I think, ‘this is why I’m here,’” says Brandon, 25.

With seven heart surgeries on a curved and closed aorta behind him — and the possibility of more to come — Brandon has had his share of opportunities to ponder the meaning of it all.

“I was in progressive heart failure at birth,” he says. “I had my first surgery when I was less than 48 hours old.”

His first audience was a Florida hospital staff.

“It’s something that I just was surrounded with because my family was in that situation,” he recalls. “My mom gave up her entire life to being in the hospital with me. She basically lived there in the Ronald McDonald House at Jackson Memorial in Miami for years.

“And I don’t come from the wealthiest of families, and my family was always trying to come in town back and forth for my surgeries and my procedures,” he adds. “It was always just a hassle.”

That hassle included Brandon’s role as one of the very first children to undergo modern pediatric heart surgery. Like most trailblazers, there were sacrifices to be made.

Brandon and his family scoured hospitals across the country in a search for a cure for his condition that lasted through his first decade and much of his second. Still, when he was about 11, he found out that some people suffered even more than him and his family due to lack of money and insurance.

It is a lesson he says drives him to this day.

During rare breaks from producing and recording his debut CD, “The Musical Theatre Album,” Brandon started working on a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing families of sick children with the money they need to for the necessities of life outside the hospital.

He says he held meetings with an attorney to square away the paperwork for the HART Foundation, which he hopes to be up and running by the time the album drops next week in conjunction with appearances at Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, Actor’s Express Theater and Red Chair Restaurant & Video Lounge.

A portion of the proceeds from album sales and appearances are earmarked to benefit the foundation, he says.

“Just to know we’re doing something for the community at the same time as putting our music out there, there’s a lot of exciting things coming because of it,” says Luke Myers, a pianist who joins Brandon on stage and in the recording studio.

The pair plans a 10-performance mini tour around metro Atlanta.

“The Musical Theatre Album” is a 10-track manifesto of smart, sparse selections from the past 20 years of stage musicals and movies. Songs that have not been in a show are still related to the stage in some way, according to Brandon.

“Every single track on the album has a special meaning for me,” he says. “I picked them all for a reason.”

“Here’s Where I Stand,” a selection from the cinematic teens-at-theater-camp farce “Camp,” was chosen as a coming out analogy, Brandon says.

“It’s ‘Here I am. I’m not going anywhere. Here’s who I am, here’s what I stand for,’” he explains.

With a compromised heart, there are setbacks, and the recording process for “The Musical Theatre Album” was delayed by a last minute hospital stay to prevent a heart infection.

“The second that I walked out of the hospital, that day, I called Luke and said ‘Luke, I want to rehearse,’” the singer says.

Brandon refuses to focus on the limitations of his body, but he acknowledges that they always loom.

“My heart doesn’t kick into 5th gear,” he explains. “It doesn’t give that last pump.”

He expects to revisit the operating room one day, but there’s no hurry.

Between the album and local gigs, which also include roles in two upcoming productions with the upstart Ellington Electric Company, Brandon also awaits word on joining the Broadway or touring productions of “Rent.”

As for the local promotional performances, Brandon says he and Myers plan to mimic the recording process.

“I really like the idea of live performance, because it catches a moment,” he says. “I really wanted to do something stripped down and raw, where you’re really catching the voice. Mistakes and flaws are perfection to me.” - Southern Voice

Barry Brandon is a walking medical anomaly. By the age of five, he had undergone
four open-heart surgeries and was granted a final wish from the Make-A-Wish Founda-
tion. Unfortunately for Barry, they could not grant him the health he needed to pursue
his dream of performing on the Broadway stage. Barry is a natural born comedic per-
former with an enviable vocal ability and a vivacious personality. Yet with talent in
excess, his career has met an obstacle: a failing heart. While resisting death, he
decided to create a non-profit organization called The Heart Foundation. He designed
the organization to benefit children undergoing open-heart surgeries so that family
members can stay by their side without accruing the travel costs and lost wages that
might keep them from remaining a present support. It is Barry’s belief in the healing
abilities of family, love and laughter that act as the driving force behind The Heart
Foundation.
In 2008, at the age of 27, Barry learned that he needed to undergo an eighth surgery
and decided to videotape the experience. FIlmmaker Jordan Hackworth has expanded
the footage into a feature documentary, and has dubbed the film The Tin Man Project.
The film needs one final piece to complete Barry’s story and it must be told in his own
words—a vocal performance. On June 16, 2009, Barry will perform at The Atlanta
Shakespeare Tavern where he will sing original and Broadway pieces that best tell his
tale through a heartfelt and funny story about the fight for his life and the lives of
others. The show will include a silent auction with surprise guest performers. Tickets
start at $20 and will directly benefit children and families in need. To purchase tickets,
visit our website at www.bshertfilms.com.
The Heart Foundation is a young organization and needs your help for promotional
assistance. Barry needs the funds from this show to gain official non-profit status.
While producing the film, we are seeking to spread as much knowledge about the cause
as possible to engage the public, promote awareness, and let Barry tell his story. - Jordan Hackworth

Professional singer, dancer and comedian Barry Brandon, 28, was born with Shoenes Syndrome, a life-threatening disease that put the entire left side of his heart in need of repair. After surviving eight experimental open-heart surgeries, Barry goes from SCAR 2 STAR with his debut album of original material, filled with five electro-glamourous tracks that will make you want to get up and dance.

B’Shert Films has followed Barry for the past 17 months, documenting his life before, during and after his eighth surgery at the Mayo Clinic in March 2008. Footage will include Barry’s summer concert in Atlanta, the first in a series of performances that will visit major cities including New York, Los Angeles (M Bar, 10/6/09 at 7PM), Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia and St. Petersberg over the next few months. During his show, “In My Own Words,” Barry and guest performers chronicle his medical miracles against a soundtrack of Broadway hits and selections from Barry’s EP. Proceeds from these concerts, album sales and the documentary, “The Tin Man Project,” benefit The Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization that Barry founded to help ease financial burdens for the families of cardiology patients. - WestHollywood.com

A number of new and exciting gay performers will rock the main stage Oct. 11 at OutFest.

Openly gay electro-pop artist Barry Brandon has a lot to celebrate at OutFest — most importantly, the fact that he’s alive and well.

The 28-year-old singer has had numerous open-heart surgeries since he was born for a rare heart condition that was only diagnosed as Shone’s Syndrome when he underwent his most recent, and hopefully last, surgery.

“As of the eighth surgery, which I had last year in March, everything has been perfect thus far,” Brandon said. “We’ll keep our fingers crossed and see if my health keeps going. No problems yet.”

Even though he’s been going under the knife since his early childhood, Brandon said he was the most apprehensive about his most recent operation.

“This last one was probably the hardest to prepare for only because the months before were so crucial,” he said. “The surgeons were so afraid to do the surgery. They kept passing me along to a different surgeon. I was older and I was fully aware of every single thing that was happening, the way that they were so unsure about it when I was meeting with them. It brought everything to reality as far as this really could be the last one. But once I got to Minnesota and set foot in the Mayo Clinic, I was totally fine. I knew everything was going to be OK.”

Brandon’s story, focusing on his most recent surgery, is the subject of an upcoming documentary, “The Tin Man Project.” Brandon also established a foundation (theheartfoundationcharity.org), that offers support for children facing major surgery.

He said the reaction to the completed parts of the documentary so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The documentary is not done,” he said. “They’re putting together the official trailer now. From what people have seen — we’ve showed it at some of the shows and it’s on YouTube — people can’t wait to see it. We don’t know when it’s going to be released.”

Brandon said coming through the surgeries in good health is what prompted him to name the EP he released in August “Scar 2 Star.”

“It’s sort of a way to sum it up and my way of letting everyone know that I’m finally taking the leap from the scars of surgery to stardom and celebrity as far as the music is concerned,” he said.

Brandon added that his main artistic inspirations come from two of today’s most cutting-edge pop divas.

“Visually, I guess you could say Lady Gaga,” he said of his influences. “I love the visual aspect of everything she does. Musically, Robyn is my main influence.” - Larry Nichols

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2009
Contact: Gina Ingrisano
Phone: 954.608.9645
bookingbarrybrandon@gmail.com
Barry Brandon Live and more

New York based singer and comedian Barry Brandon, 29, was born with Shoenes Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening disease that put the entire left side of his heart in need of repair. After surviving eight experimental open-heart surgeries, Barry goes from Scar 2 Star with a digital download released EP, a touring one man show titled “In My Own Words” and an in the works documentary entitled “The Tin Man Project”.

BShert Films followed Barry for 17 months documenting his life before, during and after his eighth surgery at the Mayo Clinic in March 2008. Footage will include Barry’s summer concert in Atlanta, the first in a series of performances that have since visited major cities such as New York City, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. During his show “In My Own Words,” Barry (along with his best friend and songwriter Jose Luis Rodriguez) chronicles his medical miracles against a soundtrack of Broadway hits and selections from his EP. Proceeds from these concerts, album sales, merchandise and the documentary “The Tin Man Project,” benefit The Heart Foundation; a nonprofit organization that Barry founded to help ease financial burdens for the families of cardiology patients.

Barry Brandon will perform at OutFest in Philadelphia on October 11th. Then he will continue his tour of “In My Own Words,” performed as an encore at The Duplex in the West Village of New York on October 23rd.

“In My Own Words” is a melting pot of incredible talent, humor and emotion. Barry Brandon’s unique perspective on his life so far is both refreshing and empowering. He will flawlessly take you on a journey through poignant song and spoken word. “You will laugh, you will cry and you will leave better than you came.”

With an EP of original material; Scar 2 Star, written by his best friend Jose Luis Rodriguez and himself, a documentary and a self produced National Tour, things are looking well. Barry Brandon continues his tour of “In My Own Words” on November 2nd at The Palladium Theatre in St. Petersburg FL, followed by an acoustic set of original material on November 19th at Bellissima in Atlanta GA.

October 11 – OutFest Philadelphia PA
October 23 – The Duplex New York City NY
November 2 – The Palladium Theatre St Petersburg FL
November 19 – Bellissima Atlanta GA
December 5 – North Cobb High School – Atlanta GA

Facebook.com/BarryBrandon
Youtube.com/BarryBrandonsMusic
Myspace.com/BarryBrandonsMusic
BShertFilms.com
TheHeartFoundationCharity.org
*Scar 2 Star available via iTunes
- Barry Brandon / Jesse Bratter

Barry Brandon is a force of nature who carries his own spotlight. In June I witnessed his cabaret benefit performance “In My Own Words” at the Shakespeare Tavern; the 28-year-old singer and songwriter proved himself a talent to be reckoned with, and the New York based entertainer will be back on September 4 at Actor’s Express in their After Hours series at 11:00 pm.

His new EP “drops” (as they say in music-biz lingo) in late August on all major digital distribution companies; it’s called “Scar 2 Star,” which you might find somewhat unusual, until you know his backstory, which is simply amazing.

28 years ago doctors would never have predicted Barry would still be with us, for he had his first open heart surgery days after his birth, and—take a breath—he has had eight open heart surgeries since then, the last one at the Mayo Clinic in March 2008. He was born with a rare heart condition finally diagnosed as Shoenes Syndrome, which damaged the left side of his heart. Thankfully, he is fine now, healthy at last, and you could say he is making up for lost time, following his passion—singing, composing, and performing.

Watching him perform at the Shakespeare Tavern was thrilling, exhilarating, and most of all, fun. He has an ease, poise, and charm that only a few entertainers ever achieve. He has an infectious sense of wit and laughs easily at himself while teasing and seducing an audience. He sang “Popular” from “Wicked” as though the song were written specifically for him; he sang a hilarious song he wrote about falling in love in a Starbucks—hopefully he’ll perform that one at Actor’s Express. (He’s done a “Musical Theatre Album,” but he has an eclectic style which currently includes “dance-y electro pop,” as he calls it.) He graciously acknowledges the musicians on stage with him, be they violinists or guitarists—and with Barry it could be either or both, depending on the evening and the program.

I’m also impressed with his sense of gesture: Many singers just stand like a lox in front of a microphone or hold it stiffly. Barry has a fluidity of movement that reveals confidence and joy in his performing and is really part of his artistry.

As you can well imagine, Barry Brandon has quite a story to tell. He is the subject of a documentary film called “The Tin Man Project” and has established a foundation (theheartfoundationcharity.org) which offers encouragement to children facing major surgery. He appeared on Good Day Atlanta, a local television program, shortly before his Shakespeare Tavern performance.

You can catch the mischievous, flamboyant, life-affirming Barry live at Actor’s Express on September 4, with guests Gigi Monroe and Jose Luis Rodriguez. I predict national fame for this fearless pied piper, who already has quite a following. Visit him on the web at myspace.com/barrybrandonsmusic. The Express’ web site is www.actorsexpress.com. - Manning Harris - Atlanta InTown

Eight open-heart surgeries would leave most of us in a helpless heap on the floor crying for our mommies, but not 28-year-old Barry Brandon. This South Florida-born and -bred guy became a professional singer, songwriter, dancer, and comedian after suffering since birth with Shoenes Syndrome, a life-threatening disease that put the entire left side of his heart in need of repair. Tonight he stars in a show chronicling his medical miracles entitled In My Own Words. But don't expect rambling monologues; this show is more a concert set to the beats of what those-in-the-know refer to as "ElectroGlamPop." Many of the tunes are from his debut album Scar 2 Star and are brought to life with the help of various guest musicians and performers. If you become a bit of a groupie after the show, keep an eye out for the upcoming documentary The Tin Man Project based on his life before, during, and after his last surgery.

Get your heart on at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts' Abdo New River Room, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $20 and the show starts at 8 p.m. Proceeds from the show benefit The Heart Foundation, which Barry founded to help ease financial burdens for families of cardiology patients. Call 954-462-0222, or visit browardcenter.org. - Riki Altman - The New Times Broward - Palm Beaches

Barry Brandon will perform “In My Own Words” at Broward Center for the Performing Arts tonight at 8 p.m. Brandon, a 28-year-old professional singer, dancer and comedian, was born with Shoenes Syndrome, a life-threatening disease that put the entire left side of his heart in need of repair. After surviving eight experimental open-heart surgeries, the Plantation native goes from SCAR 2 STAR with his debut album of original material. During his show, “In My Own Words,” Brandon and guest performers, including friends from Broward on Broadway and Performance Project, chronicle his medical miracles against a soundtrack of Broadway hits and selections from his EP. Proceeds from these concerts, album sales and the documentary, “The Tin Man Project,” benefit The Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization that Brandon founded to help ease financial burdens for the families of cardiology patients. www.BarryBrandonsMusic.com - Sheri Elfman - 411 Magazine