Guitars not Guns Benefit a Success!

Our "last minute" benefit turned out awesome!  There are so many people to thank for making this a great success!  Thank you all for your support!  We look forward to making this a yearly event, around Thanksgiving.  We will have more fundraisers in the future - so stay tuned! 

NOVEMBER 25, 2016 - BLACK FRIDAY FUNDRAISER!

NOVEMBER 25, 2016 - BLACK FRIDAY GUITARS NOT GUNS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER!

GUITARS NOT GUNS GRADUATION

SUCCESS!  ANTIOCH, CALIFORNIA

OCTOBER 26, 2016

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!



October 26, 2016 - Guitars not Guns Graduation - STAND

October 26, 2016 - Guitars not Guns Graduation - STAND

We have another Guitars Not Guns Graduation Wednesday, October 26, 2016

SEVENTEEN (17) KIDS!!!

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers and supporters!  We could not continue this program without you!

October 26, 2016 - Guitars not Guns Graduation - STAND

October 26, 2016 - Guitars not Guns Graduation - STAND

We have another Guitars Not Guns Graduation Wednesday, October 26, 2016

SEVENTEEN (17) KIDS!!!

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers and supporters!  We could not continue this program without you!

#ConcertAcrossAmerica - SEPTEMBER 25, 2016

Contra Costa Chapter President Barbara Gorin and VP of Special Projects Jay Kirkland are "The Breedloves" and will be taking part of this historical national concert - streaming live from the Walnut Festival in Heather Farms Park, Walnut Creek, CACome and be a part of this historic event

Guitars not Guns - Contra Costa County Chapter

A Message from our President, Barbara Gorin

This has been an amazing year to date!  We have successfully completed two Guitars not Guns 8 week sessions in Concord (private location) and in Antioch STAND.  On April 26, 2016, we will complete our third winter/spring session at the San Pablo Community Center. 

We are still in great need of volunteers, monetary donations, and support.  We hope to start a new 8 week session in May at the Monument Crisis Center in Concord.  I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful volunteers, sponsors and supporters to this program.  We cannot continue to do this without your help!

Here is a video of one of our STAR students "JAX" who is 9 years old.  She is playing her rendition of a U2 Song - Hold me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me - Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Barbara Gorin

President,

Contra Costa County Chapter

If you are interested in donating to our program, or becoming a volunteer, please contact our President, Barbara Gorin at guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com.



Happy Holidays From Guitars Not Guns Contra Costa County Chapter 2015 Has Been Great

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM GUITARS NOT GUNS CONTRA COSTA COUNTY - CALIFORNIA CHAPTER AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

THIS IS OUR 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW - THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS TO HELP MAKE THIS OUR BEST YEAR FOR OUR CHAPTER!  WE LOOK FOWARD TO ANOTHER EXCITING YEAR IN 2016!

EXCITING NEWS! DONATION OF 95 FENDER ACOUSTIC GUITARS!

Guitars Not Guns Online Charity Auctions begin Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Online Charity Auctions
100% of the proceeds will benefit 
Guitars not Guns children's music program!

   

Guitars Not Guns - a federally exempt  501 (c)(3) not for profit charitable organization - provides guitars and lessons to foster children, at-risk youth, and other deserving children. The GNG program offers a positive influence in children's lives by diverting them away from the destructive influences of violence, gangs, drugs and alcohol. GNG runs 100% on volunteers, donations, fundraising and grants.

GNG is not anti-gun; GNG is anti-gun violence.    

items to be listed beginning
Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Link to Ebay Auctions

A federally exempt  501 (c)(3) non-profit organization 

items will include:

Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar 
+ BONUS!
Gibson gig bag - both autographed by:

Sammy Hagar 

"The Red Rocker!"

Montrose, Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, Chickenfoot, 

Sammy and the Wabos, The Circle 

Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar autographed by:

Geoff Tate's Queensryche

Geoff Tate (Queensryche)

Simon Wright (AC DC, Dio, UFO)

Rudy Sarzo (Quiet RIot, Ozzy, Whitesnake)

Robert Sarzo (Hurricane)

Kelly Gray (Queensryche, Myth)

Yamaha Acoustic Guitar autographed by

Yamaha Endorsed Artists
Guitarists and Bassists

Abraham Laboriel, Sr. (Koinonia, Open Hands session musician)
Alex Skolnick (Testament, Alex Skolnick Trio, Metal Allegiance)
Amos Heller (Taylor Swift, session musician)
Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, The Winery Dogs)
Brad Lang (Y&T, session musician)
Carl Tosten (Carl Tosten)
Daniel Ho (Daniel Ho)
Don Alder(Don Alder)
Jack Gibson (Exodus)
James LoMenzo (Black Label Society, Megadeth, White Lion)
Joshua Ray (Shania Twain, session musician)
Michael "Fish" Herring (session musician)
Nathan East (Fourplay, session musician)
Soren Andersen (Glen Hughes, session musician)

Yamaha Remo Drum Heads autographed by
Yamaha Endorsed Artists

Drummers

Adam Topol (Jack Johnson, Culver City Dub Collective)
Bill Gibson (Huey Lewis and the News)
Bobby Blotzer (Ratt, Dokken)
Chris Johnson ( Stevie Wonder,Rihanna)
Curt Bisquer (Mick Jagger, Elton John, Tom Petty)
Dave Mattacks (Fairport Convention, session musician)
Dave Weckl (Chick Corea, Dave Weckl Band)
Jimmy Keegan (Santana, John Waite, Spock's Beard)
Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, John Fogarty, Chickenfoot)
Larnell Lewis (Snarky Puppy, session musiciant)
Mark Kelso (Pete Townsend, Michael Bublé, session musician)
M.B. Gordy (Green Day, REO Speedwagon, Neil Diamond)
Mike Bennett (Winery Dog, Richie Kotzen, session muscian)
Mike Vanderhule (Y&T, Seven Reasons, session musician)
Paul DeLong (Kim Mitchell, session musician
Prairie Prince (The Tubes, Journey, Chris Issak)
Ralph Humphrey  (Don Ellis Big Band, Frank Zappa)
Rick Marotta (Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, session musician)
Scott Mercado (Candlebox, Sky Cries Mary)
Tom Hunting (Exodus, Angel Witch)
Tommy Igoe (The Birdland Big Band, Blood Sweat and Tears)
Larry Lelli (Melissa Etheridge, The Mamas & The Papas)
Gregg Field (Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra)

Pickguards, Promo Photos, Posters, more... 
autographed by:

Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage)

Albert Lee

Alex Skolick (Testament)

Andy James (Sacred Mother Tongue)

Barry Kerch (Shinedown)

Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, The Winery Dogs)

Brent Smith (Shinedown)

Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, King Cobra, Blue Murder)

Cliff Williams (AC DC)

Cole Rolland

Dave Amato (REO)

David Elleson (Megadeth)

Derek St Holmes (Ted Nugent)

Eddie Jackson (Queensryche)

Eric Bass (Shinedown)

Frank Bello (Anthrax)

Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)

Gus G (Ozzy, solo)

JD DeServio (Black Label Society)

Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio, Foreigner)

Joel Stroetzel (Killswitch Engage)

Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett (The Jacksons, Michael Jackson,

Madonna)

Kelly Hansen (Foreigner)

Kyle Gas (Tenacious D)

Maerteen Andersson (Lynch Mob, Lizzy Borden)

Marco Mendoza (Dead Daisies, Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders)

Mark Zavon (Kill Devil Hill)

Neil Zaza

Stu Hamm

Tom Dumont (No Doubt)

Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones)

Vinny Appice (Sabbath, Dio)

Will Adler (Lamb of God)

Zack Meyers (Shinedown)

Collectible & Desirable Guitars:

Vintage - Alvarez Classical  5003 Acoustic - made in Japan

Vintage - Guild D25 BR Acoustic

Vintage - El Mayo Electric (Gibson ES 335 copy)

Vintage - Kay Banjo 

Takamine Jumbo Acoustic G2N-NS

Ovation Celebrity Acoustic Electric CC44-8TQ

Recording King Parlor Acoustic Guitar RP-06

Crafter Acoustic T035 N

Ephiphone Korina Limited Edition SG Electric

Yamaha Pacifica Deluxe Electric

More items to be added, so bookmark this page
and check back often!

Link to photo gallery of auction items 

Your winning bid will 

support a great non-profit Music Program for Deserving Kids!

All Autographed items include "COA" Certificate of Authenticity from Guitars Not Guns Inc.

Bid High and Bid with Confidence!
Good Luck!

Link to Ebay Auctions (listings to begin 11/25/15)

 Special Thanks
to Michael J Photography for the guitar shots!

guitarsnotguns.org 

Contra Costa County California Chapter (Auction Administrator): 
guitarsnotguns.blogspot.com

SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2015 - GUITARS NOT GUNS FUNDRAISER!

SAVE THE DATE -NOVEMBER 28, 2015 THE SATURDAY RIGHT AFTER THANKSGIVING, GUITARS NOT GUNS, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CHAPTER, WILL HOLD A FUNDRAISER AT VINNIES BAR AND GRILL - 2045 MOUNT DIABLO STREET, CONCORD, CA - 7:00 P.M. TO 2:00 A.M.  WE WILL ALSO BE PROMOTING OUR NATIONAL EBAY AUCTION OF SOME AMAZING ITEMS FROM FAMOUS ARTISTS TO HELP US RAISE FUNDS FOR OUR NATIONAL ORGANIZATION!

 

EXCITING NEWS EVERYONE! 

Well.... Dweezil didn't win $10,000.00 BUT, we appreciated all he did for Guitars Not Guns!

http://guitarsnotguns.org/blog/2015/08/20/dweezil-makes-guitars-not-guns-proud/

~TV SHOW CHOPPED!  ON THE FOOD NETWORK~

 

AUGUST 18, 2015 - GUITARS NOT GUNS IS THE CHOSEN CHARITY FOR ONE OF THE CONTESTANTS! 

Premiering Tuesday, August 18^th at 10pm – “Rock Stars” 

Four rock stars with a passion for cooking (Lita Ford, Kelly Hansen, Eddie Ojeda and Dweezil Zappa) take over the Chopped kitchen in hopes of winning $10,000 for their favorite cause. In the first round, the cooks attempt to make harmonious appetizers with a bubbly drink. In the entree round, lamb is the jam. The final rock 'n' roll-themed round has the competitors cooking with rock candy and lemon rolls.

Host: Ted Allen Judges: Alex Guarnaschelli, Aarón Sánchez, Chris Santos

August 5, 2015:  A message from your President of the Contra Costa County Chapter of Guitars Not Guns, Barbara Gorin:

Hello everyone!  We have had a very busy year so far!  We have completed five separate 8 week sessions in San Pablo, Antioch, Concord and Martinez, and are currently holding sessions in Martinez and Concord.  We will begin new sessions in Antioch and San Pablo in September.


We are in GREAT need of volunteer instructors!  This program runs on 100% volunteers and we have a great group of committed volunteers, but we all lead busy lives and have work, and family commitments.  We have many locations that are willing to host our program, and have a lot of kids, just waiting for our services!  However, we cannot commit, until we have more volunteers. 


If you know anyone who plays guitar, or you play yourself, or you need school credit for volunteer work, please send me an email, and we will send you the application and information.


I can be reached at guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com.


We also have some VERY exciting news to share soon!  Please stay tuned!  And, please check out our National website:  guitarsnotguns.org. 


Thank you!

Barbara Gorin

President, Contra Costa County Chapter
Overseer of Fundraising and PR
Guitars Not Guns
Cell: 925-785-8342
Email;  guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com

California Blog Site:  http://guitarsnotguns.blogspot.com/

National site:  www.guitarsnotguns.org

 

Guitars Not Guns is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Providing guitars and lessons to deserving kids since 2000

March 24, 2015 Guitars Not Guns Graduation We need Your Help!

A message from Barbara Gorin, President, Contra Costa County Chapter:


Tonight, we graduated another successful class of future "rock stars."  In addition to our graduation tonight, we have a new session that began in Antioch last week. 


We will begin a session in San Pablo, at the Community Center on April 7, 2015 at well. 


We have lots of locations that want us, but we don't have enough instructors.  Please consider donating your time, only one hour a week for 8 weeks!  We are all volunteers, and I can promise you will LOVE helping our program!


 The Martinez Library and Boys and Girls club both want us as well. 


Please considering becoming a volunteer instructor!  www.guitarsnotguns.org for more information on volunteering.


Thank you,
Sincerely,
Barbara Gorin
President, Contra Costa County Chapter
Overseer of Fundraising and PR
Guitars Not Guns
Cell: 925-785-8342
Email;  guitarsnotgunsbarbara@gmail.com

California Blog Site:  http://guitarsnotguns.blogspot.com/

National site:  www.guitarsnotguns.org

 

Guitars Not Guns is a federally exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Providing guitars and lessons to deserving kids since 2000

President Barbara Gorin and VP Of Special Projects Jay Kirkland on Bay Area People

Bay Area People Interviews Barbara Gorin and Jay Kirkland

FEBRUARY 24, 2015 SAN PABLO COMMUNITY CENTER GRADUATION!

February 24, 2015

Another successful graduation!  Thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers!  We can make a difference!

More photos here - courtesy of Jessy Kirkland of Kirkland Photography

SAVE THE DATE!! March 28, 2015 - Benefit for Guitars Not Guns

Guitars Not Guns - Contra Costa Times Newspaper Article

Checkout this awesome article!  NEWSPAPER ARTICLE HERE

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM GUITARS NOT GUNS CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CHAPTER!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM GUITARS NOT GUNS CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CHAPTER
 

November 17, 2014 Guitars Not Guns Graduation - Martinez, California

November 17, 2014 - Guitars Not Guns Graduation, Martinez Library - Amazing kids, and awesome volunteers and thankful for our sponsors!  Photos courtesy of Kirkland Photography

Post by Guitars Not Guns Contra Costa County.

NOVEMBER 17, 2014 

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS, WE HAD A WONDERFUL GRADUATION LAST NIGHT IN MARTINEZ, CA!  

GUITARS NOT GUNS TAKE THE CHALLENGE

TAKE THE CHALLENGE! 

Volunteer VP Special Projects Jay Kirkland Took The Ice Bucket Challenge - WITH A TWIST! 

Contra Costa County California President Barbara Anne Gorin Took The ICE BUCKET Challenge! 

VOLUNTEER VP OF INSTRUCTION - BROOKS LUNDY TOOK THE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE!

 

BAM Magazine Article - Posted July 10, 2014 - By Steve Roby

A nice article about music schools for kids: 

Check out this article in BAM MAGAZINE written by Steve Roby:Check out the article

SHOP on AMAZON and SUPPORT GNG!

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Go to AmazonSmile and Choose Guitars Not Guns Peachtree Georgia please!

Thank you for your support!

ANNOUNCING THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CHAPTER

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We are pleased and excited to announce our new Board of Directors for The Contra Costa County Chapter of Guitars Not Guns! 

Barbara Gorin, President

Bruce Johnson, Treasurer
Deborah McKim, Secretary
Brooks Lundy, VP, Instruction
Jay Kirkland, VP, Special Projects