Guitars Not Guns wants to rock you into action for a great cause

Guitars Not Guns of Contra Costa County is offering an evening of live music,
dancing, raffle prizes, and more, with an upcoming concert on November 30th benefiting their children's music programs.

Guitars Not Guns is a non-profit organization that provides free guitars and lessons to foster children, at-risk youth, and others ages 8 to 18. The organization operates programs in 12 states, with 19 chapters, and according to its website, has brought music education to 4,964 children over the last 12 years.

The benefit concert includes prizes donated by community businesses and donors that will be raffled off throughout the evening. Guests will also have a chance to win and take home a very special guitar.

Richmond resident and musician Barbara Gorin, president of the Contra Costa Chapter of Guitars, Not Guns, says the all-volunteer program relies on fundraising to purchase guitars, tuners, gig bags, and other items in order to deliver quality music programs to local children. Gorin says no child is ever turned away from the program for lack of funds, which is why the fundraisers are so important.

"When we can provide the gift of music for free to children in our community, in addition to teaching them how to play the guitar, we also teach responsibility by taking care of the guitar, accountability by practicing, and reliability by
coming to classes," Gorin said.

Gorin said 2024 has been a great year for the organization, which held three successful 8-week guitar class sessions for 63 kids. The average class size
is typically around 20 children.

Gorin has been volunteering with the program for almost 17 years and has helped get others involved, such as bandmate and partner Jay Kirkland. Gorin says Kirkland knew right away he wanted to be part of the program.

"Jay was born and raised in Richmond and music is what saved him from destructive behaviors," Gorin said. "He knew immediately he wanted to be part of this program to help bring the gift of music to children."

Gorin said students frequently ask during the 8-week classes if they can keep the guitars when the class is completed. "We tell them we will talk about it at graduation; just keep practicing,” Gorin said.

According to Gorin, returning students already know the surprise at the end is keeping the guitar, but they don’t want to give the secret away. "The expressions are priceless when I make the announcement,” Gorin said.

In addition to live music, the event will offer a BBQ dinner, raffle prizes, and silent auction.

Gorin's and Kirkland's band, The Breedloves, will perform along with two-time Best of the Bay winner Danny Jones, veteran rockers The Inflatables, and many more. Gorin said most bands include members who also volunteer with the organization, and she is hopeful the fundraiser will be a success.

"I love this program so much; it is very near and dear to my heart," Gorin said. "I’ve seen our students’ personalities shine through music, and it is so much fun to witness."

All proceeds directly benefit the local Contra Costa County chapter of Guitars Not Guns. Guitars Not Guns.

For more event information or to make a tax-deductible monetary, product, or service donation, please contact Barbara.gorin@guitarsnotguns.org

Date: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024
Place: Vinnies Bar & Grill, 2045 Mount Diablo Street, Concord, CA 94520
Time: Doors at 5 p.m. and Show 6 p.m. to midnight
Cost: EARLY BIRD $15 per person -After 7 p.m. $20 - Age 21+ and over venue

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