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Guitars Not Guns Contra Costa County Facebook Page
Contra Costa County California Chapter
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
For Immediate Release
Digital
Literary Arts, Inc.
Presents the
2012 Sound Investments in Youth Awards Gala
Date: June
22, 2012
Place: The
RallyPad
144
2nd StreetSan Francisco, CA
Contact: Robyn King 925.374.1441 x1
Time: 7:30
p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
Cost: Tickets
must be purchased at: www.bit.ly/DLA_Gala
Digital Literary Arts, Inc., (DLA) will host the 2012 “Sound Investments In
Youth” Awards Gala on Friday, June 22nd, 2012. DLA, also known as DLA Studios, is partnering
with Rally, a fast-growing social and online fundraising corporation to bring
this first fundraising event to life at the RallyPad in San Francisco. The celebration
of "service and sounds" will launch DLA’s mission to provide our
youth with tools for positive self-expression through digital music arts
education, training, and performance experience. The evening will feature award
presentations to local champions committed to improving upon the communities,
quality of life, and futures of young people in the San Francisco Bay Area and
will also include live and musical and spoken word performances. The six 2012 DLA Honorees and award categories
are listed below:
Community Education and Awareness – Alexandria Monroe, Vuitton Meals Youth Development Center
Education Enrichment – Reginald Figgs, West Contra Costa Unified School District
Enrichment Through Athletics – Marzel Price, East County Midnight Basketball League
Healing Through Music Arts – Tomas Alvarez III, Beats, Rhymes and Life
Healthy Youth Expression – Hodari B. Davis, Youth Speaks
People’s Choice – Barbara Anne Gorin, Guitars Not Guns
DLA’s most prestigious award, the People’s Choice honor, is
being presented to Barbara Anne Gorin, VP of Fundraising for Guitars Not Guns
(GNG). Recommendations were submitted to DLA from the community based on nominees’
commitment to working with and for the needs of youth. Gorin was nominated for
her volunteer work with GNG by her colleague Darius Bruner as part of DLA’s
Facebook nomination campaign. In
addition, the evening will feature a live acoustic performance by Gorin as
one-half of the "The Breedloves," along with fellow artist Jay
Kirkland.
DLA is committed to connecting youth to music arts, focusing
on spoken word, lyric writing, and digital recording and production as creative
outlets for expression and pro-social development. Founder and CEO Robyn King explains
that “our youth are our communities’ greatest assets when their voices are
heard and empowered, and their talents are valued. DLA will be that safe space
for young people to gain the foundation to become successful in both their
musical crafts and their communities.” Experience DLA’s mission first-hand on
Friday June 22nd and enjoy an evening of food, raffles, a no-host
bar, and youthful performances for a worthwhile cause. Tickets must be
purchased! Visit http://bit.ly/DLA_Gala or www.dlastudios.org
Digital Literary Arts, Inc. is a 501(c) non-profit
organization that serves as a training ground for youth mastery of modern music
recording with emphasis on Digital Arts Technology. DLA was founded to provide opportunity for
youth whose talents are often left undeveloped, overlooked or
misunderstood.
For current information on the
2012 honorees and event performers, please go to http://www.facebook.com/events/241882702579762/
. To find out more about Digital Literary Arts, Inc., please visit www.dlastudios.org/
or Facebook at www.facebook.com/dmariosmyangel.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Barbara Gorin, VP Fundraising and PR to receive honor from Digital Literary Arts, Inc. for volunteer work with Guitars Not Guns.
 |
| From DLA |
Monday, April 9, 2012
ED ROLAND of COLLECTIVE SOUL and KEVIN GRIFFIN of BETTER THAN EZRA DONATE AUTOGRAPHED GUITAR!
SOON TO BE UP FOR AUCTION!!! AN AUTOGRAPHED GUITAR FROM ED ROLAND OF COLLECTIVE SOUL AND KEVIN GRIFFIN OF BETTER THAN EZRA, THEY TOURED AS "SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN" AND SENT US THE GUITAR THEY TOURED WITH TO HELP US RAISE MONEY! THANK YOU GUYS! YOU ARE THE BEST!
DATE OF AUCTION TO BE POSTED SOON!
MARCH 11, 2012 GUITARS NOT GUNS BENEFIT CONCERT A SUCCESS!
Thanks to all of our sponsors and volunteers, the event was a success! We look foward to more event in the very near future!!!
STAY TUNED!!
Monday, February 27, 2012
MARCH 11, 2012 GUITARS NOT GUNS BENEFIT CONCERT - ALL AGES!
MARCH 11, 2012 - GUITARS NOT GUNS BENEFIT CONCERT ALL AGES!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
MARCH 11, 2012 THE BUTLERS CONFIRMED!
Stay tuned to updates about this awesome event! You don't want to miss it!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
MARCH 11, 2012 BENEFIT CONCERT
For Immediate Release
February 18, 2012
ON SUNDAY, March 11, 2012
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR GUITARS NOT GUNS
All Proceeds will Benefit Guitars
Not Guns, a 501 (c) 3 Children’s Music Charity
Date: March 11, 2012
Place: BASES LOADED
400 G Street
ANTIOCH, CA
Time: 3pm – 10pm
Cost: $10.00 Adults - $5.00 children under 18 ALL AGES WELCOME
On Sunday, March 11, 2012, we are having a benefit concert for Guitars Not Guns. The bands to perform are our favorite Locals BLUE MOONSHINE and SQUARE ONE! There will be a special appearance by HAUNTED BY HEROES – 11 year old boys who are nationally known as the youngest rock band in America! In addition, The Breedloves, with Barbara Gorin and Jay Kirkland on lead guitar will rock a few original tunes and a few fun covers tunes, with special guests Brooks Lundy on bass and Adam Briere on drums! Then, Al Smith will also rock the house! There will also be a few surprise special guest appearances!
There will be food and drink specials and a raffle for a guitar autographed by the bands, as well as some other cool stuff, with proceeds to Guitars Not Guns. You can have a chance to take home a special guitar, in support of Guitars Not Guns!
Guitars Not Guns, Inc, a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides
free guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children, ages 8 to 18, in a classroom setting with qualified teachers. No child is turned away for lack of funds. We are not anti-gun; we are anti-gun violence, especially in schools. Help us support a good cause by spreading the word of this awesome benefit show! THIS IS AN ALL AGES EVENT!
For more information on this event contact:
Barbara Gorin
VP, Fundraising, Guitarsnotguns.org
Cell: 925-785-8342
guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com
To find out more about Guitars Not Guns, please visit: http://guitarsnotguns.blogspot.com/ for details and http://www.guitarsnotguns.org/
Guitars Not Guns is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
February 18, 2012
ON SUNDAY, March 11, 2012
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR GUITARS NOT GUNS
All Proceeds will Benefit Guitars
Not Guns, a 501 (c) 3 Children’s Music Charity
Date: March 11, 2012
Place: BASES LOADED
400 G Street
ANTIOCH, CA
Time: 3pm – 10pm
Cost: $10.00 Adults - $5.00 children under 18 ALL AGES WELCOME
On Sunday, March 11, 2012, we are having a benefit concert for Guitars Not Guns. The bands to perform are our favorite Locals BLUE MOONSHINE and SQUARE ONE! There will be a special appearance by HAUNTED BY HEROES – 11 year old boys who are nationally known as the youngest rock band in America! In addition, The Breedloves, with Barbara Gorin and Jay Kirkland on lead guitar will rock a few original tunes and a few fun covers tunes, with special guests Brooks Lundy on bass and Adam Briere on drums! Then, Al Smith will also rock the house! There will also be a few surprise special guest appearances!
There will be food and drink specials and a raffle for a guitar autographed by the bands, as well as some other cool stuff, with proceeds to Guitars Not Guns. You can have a chance to take home a special guitar, in support of Guitars Not Guns!
Guitars Not Guns, Inc, a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides
free guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children, ages 8 to 18, in a classroom setting with qualified teachers. No child is turned away for lack of funds. We are not anti-gun; we are anti-gun violence, especially in schools. Help us support a good cause by spreading the word of this awesome benefit show! THIS IS AN ALL AGES EVENT!
For more information on this event contact:
Barbara Gorin
VP, Fundraising, Guitarsnotguns.org
Cell: 925-785-8342
guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com
To find out more about Guitars Not Guns, please visit: http://guitarsnotguns.blogspot.com/ for details and http://www.guitarsnotguns.org/
Guitars Not Guns is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Thursday, February 16, 2012
BAM! Magazine Article - NAMM and Guitars Not Guns
FEBRUARY 16, 2012
Check out the latest article in BAM MAGAZINE!
Monday, February 13, 2012
SAVE THE DATE!!! MARCH 11, 2012 BENEFIT!
March 11, 2012 Fundraiser for Guitars Not Guns - Bases Loaded, Antioch, California
Special Guests to be announced STAY TUNED!!!!
This show is going to Rock!
Special Guests to be announced STAY TUNED!!!!
This show is going to Rock!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
The Herald Of Monterey County Touts Guitars Not Guns
Better lives via music: Guitars Not Guns a fun, positive outlet for kids
Posted: 01/28/2012 05:10:27 PM PST
Updated: 01/28/2012 05:58:25 PM PST
Steve Vagnini has a vision for helping stem youth violence in Monterey County. It starts with music.
Vagnini, a longtime music manager and the county's tax assessor, is president of the Monterey County chapter of Guitars Not Guns, a national nonprofit organization that gives young people free guitars and lessons to encourage their creativity and help divert them from the negative influences of drugs, alcohol and gangs.
Vagnini first heard about the group several years ago and was so impressed that he formed the local chapter.
"We bring in kids 8 to 18 years old, teach them to play guitars in eight one-hour classes," Vagnini said, "then we give them the guitars to boot."
And it's all free.
"All the instructors are volunteers, and there's virtually no overhead," he said. "Our only expenses are buying guitars and maybe the cost of a pizza party at the end of the class."
Vagnini said five classes are now in session: one at the Seaside Boys and Girls Club, two at Rancho Cielo Youth Campus in Salinas, one at Harden Middle School in Salinas and one in Marina.
He said the group's greatest need is volunteer instructors.
"They don't have to be great pickers, but they must be patient with their students and be willing to show up for one hour once a week," he said.
Classes have two instructors for 10 students.
Vagnini's long-term goals are to establish classes in the Salinas Valley and perhaps at the county's juvenile detention center.
"Those kids especially could use more self-respect. But those instructors will have to be experienced," he said. "Guitars Not Guns has tremendous potential."
Vagnini, a longtime music manager and the county's tax assessor, is president of the Monterey County chapter of Guitars Not Guns, a national nonprofit organization that gives young people free guitars and lessons to encourage their creativity and help divert them from the negative influences of drugs, alcohol and gangs.
Vagnini first heard about the group several years ago and was so impressed that he formed the local chapter.
"We bring in kids 8 to 18 years old, teach them to play guitars in eight one-hour classes," Vagnini said, "then we give them the guitars to boot."
And it's all free.
"All the instructors are volunteers, and there's virtually no overhead," he said. "Our only expenses are buying guitars and maybe the cost of a pizza party at the end of the class."
Vagnini said five classes are now in session: one at the Seaside Boys and Girls Club, two at Rancho Cielo Youth Campus in Salinas, one at Harden Middle School in Salinas and one in Marina.
He said the group's greatest need is volunteer instructors.
"They don't have to be great pickers, but they must be patient with their students and be willing to show up for one hour once a week," he said.
Classes have two instructors for 10 students.
Vagnini's long-term goals are to establish classes in the Salinas Valley and perhaps at the county's juvenile detention center.
"Those kids especially could use more self-respect. But those instructors will have to be experienced," he said. "Guitars Not Guns has tremendous potential."
Todd Kruper, a city councilman and sculptor in Sand City, is vice president of the Monterey chapter.
"This program gives the kids social support and dignity. Some of them have never even picked up a guitar before. And let's face it, they're not going to be Jimi Hendrix in eight weeks," he said, "but if they sense more creativity within themselves, they can practice at home, maybe come for the next set of classes, maybe share their newfound skills with a sibling, with a friend."
He added, "They have found a new connection to their community — and what's better than music?"
A recent visit to the Seaside Boys and Girls Club found instructor Joe Braun leading a class of seven 8- to 10-year olds. With the other teacher absent, Braun had to be patient.
First step: tuning each of their guitars, challenging the students to call out the strings as he went along. When everyone was in tune, he set up a rhythm for C and G chords. Some of the students put chord charts on the floor for reference.
When the group became ungainly, he split it up, asking an advanced student to teach part of the group to play "Happy Birthday." Braun took the other students through the chords.
"This is hard!" one student complained.
Braun chuckled. "This isn't hard," he said. "Walking is hard. Do you remember how many times you fell?"
The group reunited to play "Jambalaya." Then it was time for class to end.
"I like to start them with tunes they already know, like 'Happy Birthday.' That reinforces the familiar," Braun said. "Some of these kids play in school orchestras, some play other instruments, and they like the challenge of a new instrument."
About 60 students have passed through the local Guitars Not Guns since it was founded two years ago. Vagnini said he has bought about 100 guitars in that time.
Though musicians sometimes donate used guitars, it becomes a problem, he said. It's important that all students have identical guitars and cases.
So he uses the donated guitars in fundraisers, asking well-known guitarists to autograph the instruments and then raffling them off. So far, signers include Los Lobos, Chris Cain and Jackie Greene, and he hopes to get the signature of Rusty Anderson, who played lead guitar for Paul McCartney. (Vagnini's biggest autograph goal is rocker Ted Nugent, who sits on the board of directors of the National Rifle Association: "We have several mutual friends.") On the national level, perhaps the most notable guitar was signed by Slash, of Guns N' Roses.
Vagnini said he gets funds from the Arts Council for Monterey County and the West End Celebration, an annual event in Sand City that helps support Guitars Not Guns. He also gets grants periodically and is hoping to have a grant writer soon.
"But I can't stress enough how much we need instructors. Every two new instructors means another class can open up," he said.
Guitars Not Guns operates in 17 states and in Canada, Latin America and Great Britain.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Kids, Get A $5 Discount On Tickets To The Feb. 11 Delta Blues Benefit Concert
Friday, January 13, 2012
NAMM 2012 Anaheim !!!
2012 is starting off fantastic, our Guitars Not Guns Street Team is gearing up for NAMM and looking forward to sharing a recap of the last year with our wonderful sponsors! We have several new sessions about to begin, and an upcoming auction of an awesome acoustic electric guitar SAMMY HAGAR autographed! Stay tuned!!!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Ticket Giveaway For A New Epiphone Guitar Signed By James Durbin
White Album Ensemble chimes in the new year
Posted: 12/29/2011 01:30:16 AM PST
Click photo to enlarge
The White Album Ensemble performs at the Rio Theatre tonight and Friday ( Contributed)
The term "White Christmas" has a unique meaning in Santa Cruz, where every year during the week after Christmas, the popular White Album Ensemble delivers a double dose of Beatles for local fans.
This year, the WAE --- brilliant interpreters of the Beatles catalogues that have been together almost as long as the Beatles themselves were -- will play two shows, tonight and Thursday, at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz.
This year, the group turned to its fans to determine the shows it would perform. Fans on the group's website www.whitealbumlive.com and its Facebook page were asked to vote for their favorite Beatles' album to be performed live. The winners were the self-titled double album known as the "White Album" for tonight's show, and the "Revolver"/"Sgt. Pepper" combo for Friday's show.
The WAE has been supporting school music programs since 2003, having raised more than $250,000 in that time. Tonight's show will feature a ticket giveaway of a new Epiphone guitar to benefit the Guitars Not Guns program. As special incentive, the WAE has announced that "American Idol" star James Durbin will be on hand to sign the guitar and to perform with the band near the close of their set. The WAE helped give young Durbin some of his first experiences singing for a live audience and backed him during the Durbin Day concert at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk last spring.
For more information, go to www.whitealbumlive.com.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Another Successful Graduation December 15, 2011 Salvation Army!
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL GRADUATION DECEMBER 15, 2011,
SALVATION ARMY
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA
LOTS OF HAPPY CHILDREN!!!
THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Jason Newsted's Papa Wheelie in Walnut Creek -- Saturday, November 12
Redhouse Studios Walnut Creek and Chophouse Records presents:
Come visit Guitars Not Guns table at the show!
Papa Wheelie is
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Volunteer Opportunities In Contra Costa County
Here's where the Contra Costa County Chapter presently needs your help:
ANTIOCH DELTA BLUES FESTIVAL
GNG has a booth at this yearly event where it raises a significant amount of funds, displays its accomplishments, sells merchandise and raffle tickets and sign up new volunteers. The organizers are big supporters of GNG. This year the festival is on Sat. Sept. 17, 2011, We immediately need volunteers to help the festival organizers post posters. If you can help post them in your area, please contact Frank Giovanni at frank@deltabluesfestival.
We also need a few volunteers at the Festival for the GNG Booth on the day of the show. Please contact Randall Davis at RSDavisesq@gmail.com or Barbara Gorin at guitarsnotgunsbarbara@
GNG CLASSES AT THE EL SOBRANTE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
GNG seeks to conduct classes at the El Sobrante Boys & Girls Club on Tuesdays from 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm, starting September 27, 2011. We need a few more instructors for this class session. If you can assist please contact Donald McQueston at donaldmcq@gmail.com
GNG CLASSES AT THE SEENO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB IN PITTSBURG
GNG is looking forward to starting fall classes at the Seeno Boys & Girls Club in Pittsburg, CA by late September. No times or dates have been set. If you can assist please contact Jeff Montanez at shajzm@comcast.net.
GNG CLASSES AT STAND! IN DOWNTOWN ANTIOCH
GNG needs a new class coordinator and instructor to help continue GNG classes at STAND! Against Domestic Violence in Downtown Antioch. If you can assist as the lead instructor for these classes please contact Randall Davis at RSDavisesq@gmail.com, Frank Darling at FNDarling@aol.com or Jeff Montanez at shajzm@comcast.net.
GNG CLASSES AT SALVATION ARMY ON CLAYTON ROAD IN CONCORD
GNG anticipates that it will start classes in September at the Salvation Army Center on Clayton Road in Concord. Substitute and additional instructors are needed. If you can assist please contact Randall Davis at RSDavisesq@gmail.com or Bruce Johnson at BruceWJ@aol.com.
We are really busy and the need for GNG has never been greater. We thank you in advance for any help you can provide!
Friday, July 15, 2011
GNG At The Delta Blues Festival
This year The Delta Blues Festival will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 and is dedicated to the memory of the late Johnny Nitro, a fine local musician and a supporter of the Festival and Guitars Not Guns.The Festival founded by the late Dave Williamson, is held each fall in Waldie Plaza in the historic Rivertown district of Antioch, CA. It is an outdoor, family friendly event. There is no alcohol permitted and admission is free.
Guitars Not Guns' Contra Costa County Chapter operates a promotional booth at the event to which kids and adults can come and play guitar. GNG-CCC will also raffle a guitar signed by the artists appearing at the Festival.
This year's line-up:
We hope to see you there!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Makin' Music Magazine Discusses GNG
This article appears in the July/August edition of Makin' Music Magazine:
By Kelly Peters
“All the kids come from families where there is domestic violence, drugs, incarceration, even murder, and these kids will come to every Guitars Not Guns session. That says something, not only about Guitars Not Guns, but about the kids. It’s working,” says Juli Rositas, an intervention services manager for STAND, an agency for families free of violence that frequently collaborates with Guitars Not Guns.
While inspiring children to pursue music is the focus, instilling a sense of responsibility in them is also at the core of the program. Students are taught each week by volunteers, who act both as guitar instructors and life mentors. By teaching these children to appreciate a possession and value a skill, Guitars Not Guns hopes to extend these lessons into the future for the children, says Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Fundraising Barbara Gorin.
“It’s about giving kids something positive to do instead of something destructive to do,” she says. “Instilling confidence, giving them encouragement, and something fun to do.”
Rositas recalls one instance when a grandmother stayed to listen to her grandson’s lesson, and by the end, was brought to tears, saying, “I have never seen my grandson in 11 years focus on anything. He’s completely transformed. The only time that kid has peace is when he’s playing that guitar.”
The program began as a result of the Nelsons’ own experiences with the foster care system. In 1992, they decided to become foster parents. Wanting to introduce the children to the joy of live music, Ray provided them with donated, used guitars. Thus, Guitars Not Guns was born. Though the organization began in California, chapters now exist throughout the US and Canada.
The organization prides itself in never turning away a child from participation. The students, or their guardians, may simply sign up. The organization is entirely nonprofit, so its operation is completely dependent on donations. Guitars Not Guns collects both electric and acoustic guitars, as well as accessories, like guitar picks and strings. Cash donations are also welcomed.
Guitars Not Guns also raises funds through celebrity endorsements. For example, Slash, former lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses, autographed a Gibson Epiphone Les Paul that was auctioned on eBay, with the proceeds going directly to the organization. The group is currently auctioning an acoustic electric Yamaha autographed by Sammy Hagar. Through this type of support, Guitars Not Guns looks to a hopeful future.
Guitars Not Guns Program an Inspiration for Youth
By Kelly PetersRay and Louise Nelson see the guitar as an instrument, not just for producing music, but for inciting social change. They are the founders of Guitars Not Guns, a California-based nonprofit aimed at improving the lives of struggling children through music.
This organization provides youth with one-on-one guitar lessons, once a week, over an eight-week period. Most of the children, who range in age from eight to 18, are part of the foster care system or are “at risk” based on environmental factors.“All the kids come from families where there is domestic violence, drugs, incarceration, even murder, and these kids will come to every Guitars Not Guns session. That says something, not only about Guitars Not Guns, but about the kids. It’s working,” says Juli Rositas, an intervention services manager for STAND, an agency for families free of violence that frequently collaborates with Guitars Not Guns.While inspiring children to pursue music is the focus, instilling a sense of responsibility in them is also at the core of the program. Students are taught each week by volunteers, who act both as guitar instructors and life mentors. By teaching these children to appreciate a possession and value a skill, Guitars Not Guns hopes to extend these lessons into the future for the children, says Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Fundraising Barbara Gorin.
“It’s about giving kids something positive to do instead of something destructive to do,” she says. “Instilling confidence, giving them encouragement, and something fun to do.”
Rositas recalls one instance when a grandmother stayed to listen to her grandson’s lesson, and by the end, was brought to tears, saying, “I have never seen my grandson in 11 years focus on anything. He’s completely transformed. The only time that kid has peace is when he’s playing that guitar.”The program began as a result of the Nelsons’ own experiences with the foster care system. In 1992, they decided to become foster parents. Wanting to introduce the children to the joy of live music, Ray provided them with donated, used guitars. Thus, Guitars Not Guns was born. Though the organization began in California, chapters now exist throughout the US and Canada.
The organization prides itself in never turning away a child from participation. The students, or their guardians, may simply sign up. The organization is entirely nonprofit, so its operation is completely dependent on donations. Guitars Not Guns collects both electric and acoustic guitars, as well as accessories, like guitar picks and strings. Cash donations are also welcomed.
Guitars Not Guns also raises funds through celebrity endorsements. For example, Slash, former lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses, autographed a Gibson Epiphone Les Paul that was auctioned on eBay, with the proceeds going directly to the organization. The group is currently auctioning an acoustic electric Yamaha autographed by Sammy Hagar. Through this type of support, Guitars Not Guns looks to a hopeful future.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sacramento GNG Publicized In Sacramento Press
Sacramento has a new outlet for kids and teens who need a way to boost their self-esteem and gain confidence. The Guitars Not Guns music program has opened a Sacramento chapter and is searching for youth to participate and volunteer teachers.
Guitars Not Guns is an organization that aims to keep at-risk teens from making poor choices that could get them into serious trouble. They do this by enrolling children and teens in guitar lessons taught mostly by community volunteers.
“We want to help teach kids how to play the guitar so they can use it as a creative outlet instead of being involved in self-destructive activities such as gangs, alcohol and drugs,” said Barbara Donabedian, president of the Sacramento chapter. “The kids will gain a sense of accomplishment, responsibility and also confidence from the program. We want to stop youth violence and keep guns out of reach of kids while promoting gun safety.”
The organization is still trying to raise the funds to cover its expenses, but local classes will begin shortly.
“Classes will begin as soon as we finish obtaining the funds to purchase the guitars and to print the lesson books,” said Brittany Snelgrove, Guitar’s Not Guns local vice president. “We have many places to hold the classes that are free.”
Children in between the ages of 8 and 18 are welcome to take classes. Because the organization is still in its preliminary phase of development, parents who would like to enroll their children or teens who wish to enroll themselves can contact the Sacramento chapter directly through the Guitars Not Guns website, through the Facebook page, or by e-mailing gngsacramento@yahoo.com.
Guitars Not Guns Sacramento is still in need of teachers. There are many ways to help out and volunteer with the organization.
“To be a teacher, you only need to know how to play the guitar,” Donabedian said. “There is no real age restriction or teaching experience needed. People can volunteer to be more than a teacher. They can help with everything from fundraising to PR or even help teachers with lessons.”
In order to spread the word about their cause, Guitars Not Guns Sacramento is reaching out to many venues and local businesses.
“We are looking to go to Second Saturday this summer with a booth to pass out fliers and try to raise donations,” Snelgrove said. “I’m also looking at getting in contact with Ace of Spades to see if they would be interested in getting bands to sign guitars that we purchase. Then we want to auction or raffle them off with all proceeds going to GnG. We are also willing to help promote with any of the sponsors that want to donate or partner with us.”
The Sacramento chapter of Guitars not Guns encompasses the entire greater Sacramento region. The next closest chapter is in San Francisco.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Call For GNG Volunteer Instructors For Richmond/El Sobrante
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Alameda Doof-a-Palooza Winner And Vinnie's Bar CCC Fundraiser
Many of you purchased raffle tickets - thank you for supporting our program!!! We have attached a photo of our lucky raffle winner - Jim - who had promised himself that he would learn to play guitar the day before he won the raffle - way to go Jim!!
Now that summer is here, the Contra Costa chapter of Guitars Not Guns is holding a fundraiser July 3rd in Concord.
We would love for anyone 21+ to join us for an afternoon/evening of great music! Here are the specifics:
When: July 3, 2011 (4pm to 11pm)
Where: Vinnie's Bar & Grill (2045 Mt. Diablo Bl., Concord, CA)
Cost: $10 per person
Thank you again for all of your support!
Guitars Not Guns
"Providing guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children"
Guitars Not Guns, Inc. is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
July 3, 2011 Fundraiser
For Immediate Release
June 8, 2011
ON SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011
TRIBUTE BANDS BENEFIT CONCERT FOR GUITARS NOT GUNS
All Proceeds will Benefit Guitars Not Guns, a 501 (c) 3 Children’s Music Charity
Date: July 3rd, 2011
Place: Vinnie’ Bar & Grill
2043 Mt. Diablo
Concord, CA
Time: 4pm – 11pm
Cost: $10.00 per person
On Sunday, July 3, 2011, is a benefit concert for Guitars Not Guns. The bands to perform are Danny Jones Band - classic covers; Points North - Rush Tribute; Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix Tribute; Stung - Police Tribute; and Tres Hombres XXX - ZZ Top Tribute band.
We will have a guitar autographed by the bands and have raffle ticket donations, with proceeds to Guitars Not Guns. You can have a chance to take home a special guitar, in support of Guitars Not Guns! Thank you to Guitar Center for donating this wonderful guitar!
Guitars Not Guns, Inc, a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides free guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children, ages 8 to 18, in a classroom setting with qualified teachers. No child is turned away for lack of funds. We are not anti-gun; we are anti-gun violence, especially in schools. Help us support a good cause by spreading the word of this awesome benefit show!
For more information on this event contact:
Barbara Gorin
VP, Fundraising, Guitarsnotguns.org
Cell: 925-785-8342
guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com
Laura Fielding 925-963-4928
Magik Wand Productions
Email me at magikwandproductions@yahoo.com.
To find out more about Guitars Not Guns, please visit: http://guitarsnotguns.blogspot.com/ for details and www.guitarsnotguns.org
Guitars Not Guns is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
www guitarsnotguns.org - Providing guitars and lessons to deserving kids - guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com
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