Justin's 40th Surprise Guitar

This is a love story…

...but maybe not the one you think I was going to tell.

This is not his and my love story (though damn, it’s a good one).

This is not his love story with his guitar.

This is not even his love story with playing music.

This is the love story between Justin and his community.

You are the other half of this story.

Justin and his music have changed lives.

I have witnessed his students grow from their first G chord to playing with him at a show.

I have seen couples tenderly hold each others' hands and dance as he played his original songs.

I have listened to Grant, Mitch, Kevin, Andrew, Mike, Coach, Ryan, Jacob, Isa, Alfredo, Johan, Matthew, and countless others have powerful (often playful) musical conversations with Justin.

I went from a closeted shower singer to singing in front of 1000+ people in less than a year because of Justin. He gave me the greatest gift anyone has ever given me - space and support to believe in myself and live life boldly.

You have your own version of this story and how Justin’s music has touched your life.

For his 40th birthday, I want to show him how much he has impacted others' lives through his journey with music.

Which brings me to the plan.

His guitar is a tool for communicating his music. But that tool is getting a bit road-weary...

More than 10 years of whiskey stains spill down the front. The wood is worn from 1,000s of hours of expression. A crack splits the body.

Every scratch and spill is a memory. A living, resonating testimony to Justin’s love for music.

I am not sure if it will last another 10 years of expression (you have likely seen how impassioned he gets playing Ain’t No Sunshine!).

I think it’s time for another love story to start with another Martin.

I have been saving up all the money I have made from playing gigs and have saved enough to cover the cost.

But I want to offer the opportunity for others to show him the impact of his.

Anything from $1 - $1000 is valuable.

I plan to present him with the list of contributors at a gig around the time of this birthday (more details to come).

I will either give him the new guitar or find a clever way to give him the money (any suggestions welcome).

I will invite all the contributors to the show as well so that you can be there for the reveal!

I will email details and updates as things formalize.

Justin's music has brought joy to countless hearts. Thank you for helping me bring joy to his heart.

Cost breakdown:

New Martin Options - $2,500 - $5,500

New case - $200

Shipping - $50

Anything beyond the cost of the guitar will go towards music gear that Justin has been needing!

DONATIONS WILL CLOSE ON SEPTEMBER 15!