A devastating blow has struck the jazz trio Moonchild, forcing them to postpone their highly anticipated West Coast tour. Their entire collection of instruments and essential equipment was stolen in Oakland, California, early Wednesday morning.

The Theft in Oakland

The incident occurred just after 4:30 a.m. when thieves broke into a U-Haul truck parked at a Best Western hotel off Embarcadero. They swiftly drove away with the band’s precious cargo.

Discovery and Tracking

Andris Mattson, Moonchild’s trumpet player, discovered the theft around 6 a.m. using Apple Airtags placed inside his instrument cases. The Airtags indicated the instruments were scattered across Oakland and neighboring San Leandro.

Security footage showed the thieves completed the operation in approximately 60 seconds.

A Planned Operation

The band members searched for the Airtags, but discovered the thieves had systematically removed and discarded them in remote locations, such as bushes and ditches. This demonstrated a clear intent to conceal their tracks.

Emotional and Financial Impact

Mattson emphasized the deep personal connection the band has with their instruments, many of which they’ve had for years. The loss is profoundly felt, extending beyond the significant financial setback – estimated to be well into the six figures.

Looking Ahead

Despite the setback, Mattson expressed continued affection for Oakland and its music scene. The band has postponed, rather than canceled, their West Coast tour, hoping to reschedule performances, including a show at the UC Theater in Berkeley, for sometime in July.

Fundraising Efforts

Moonchild has launched an online fundraising campaign to help cover the costs of replacing the stolen equipment, which included everything necessary for their performances. They are appealing to fans and the wider music community for support.

While the recovery of the instruments seems unlikely, Mattson remains cautiously optimistic, citing the rarity of some of their equipment. He reiterated his positive feelings towards Oakland and its vibrant musical community.