A new nonprofit wants to put guitars in the hands of Walnut Creek-area kids for free.

Guitars 'n' Kids, a freshly minted 501(c)(3), launched this month after the national organization its founders served under for 19 years shuttered its local chapters, ending free youth guitar classes across Contra Costa County.

The group's first fundraiser is Saturday, Aug. 1, at Vinnie's Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo St. in Concord. Music runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, the suggested donation is $10, and the event is 21+. No advance tickets are required.

Proceeds will buy guitars, gig bags, and instructional materials so the all-volunteer organization can resume free classes for youth ages 8–18 countywide, including Walnut Creek. The nonprofit says it plans to restart lessons after the fundraiser, though no specific class dates or locations have been announced.

How it started

The founders previously ran Contra Costa County's chapter of Guitars Not Guns, a national program that offers free eight-week guitar courses with a maximum of 10 students and three adult instructors per class. Students who complete the course keep their guitar. When the national organization closed several California chapters, including Contra Costa, local classes went on pause.

The volunteers regrouped.

Barbara Gorin, vocalist and rhythm guitarist for The Breedloves & Friends (one of Saturday's performing acts), previously served on the Guitars Not Guns national board. Vinnie's Bar & Grill itself has a longstanding relationship with the local music-education community, listed as a past supporter of the national program.

The lineup

Four acts will perform Saturday night:

  • Miss Reese & Her Pieces, an eight-piece blues band with rock and soul
  • Delta Deuce, a Walnut Creek-based classic rock and blues cover band co-founded by Scott Anderson on guitar and vocals
  • The Breedloves & Friends, featuring Jay Kirkland on guitar and ukulele, Barbara Gorin on vocals and rhythm guitar, Danny Cronin on bass, and Pep Salinas on drums
  • Brooks Lundy, a Bay Area multi-instrumentalist and educator known for studio work on the Guitar Hero video game series, performing a solo acoustic set

A silent auction will also be held during the event.

How to help

Donations are accepted online at guitarsnkids.org. The organization frames its mission as offering a positive alternative to violence through mentorship and music, according to its launch announcement.

Coming up

  • Saturday, Aug. 1: Guitars 'n' Kids fundraiser, Vinnie's Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo St., Concord. 7 p.m.–midnight. $10 suggested donation. 21+. Details at guitarsnkids.org.