I’ve been a musician for over 25 years, and music has shaped a good deal of my life. I got my first guitar at 17, scraping together what I could to afford a decent instrument at the guidance of my best friend's older brother. That guitar led me to start bands, write and release albums, tour the country, and even help other bands record their music. Along the way, I was a part of a small co-op record label with my friends and taught after-school programs to help kids start their own bands and enjoy learning to play.

When the pandemic hit, we all felt isolated. Most people picked up hobbies and did what they could to stay busy and not go bonkers. Aside from getting another dog, fixing a dumpy camper, and getting outside a bunch, I started collecting old, unwanted music equipment—anything I could fix up and give away to people who wanted to learn. Why? I don't know. It felt like a fun thing to do. I like to tinker, and people couldn't gather to enjoy live music. So maybe it was a good time for lots of people, no matter how much expendable income they had, to start playing an instrument they had always wanted to try. It was a way to bring a little joy and connection during a shitty time. Over the last five years, with the help of my amazing friends and community, I’ve given away 50 or 60 musical packages, including instruments and supplies donated by friends in the industry. Not just guitars - brass instruments, drums, the occasional and thankfully fixable violin... I am not a luthier, I am a hobbyist who likes pairing fixable dusty instruments with folks who want to learn to play.

Now, as more people have heard about what I’m doing, the requests for gear have far outnumbered the donations I can gather. Guitars and other instruments are expensive and hard to come by, and while my friends have been incredibly generous, I’ve reached a point where I need to ask for help to keep this project going. Funds raised will go toward picks, strings, winders, tuners, guitar bags, and used musical gear. I have great relationships with local shops, so I can make every dollar count. Your support will help me continue giving the gift of musical instruments to those who want to learn, but may not have the means to get started. Cheers!