As it celebrates 130 years of music history, Gibson, the iconic and leading global instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of music for over a century, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved music brands around the world. This past weekend during Gibson Garage Fest Week celebrations, Gibson Gives the non-profit division of Gibson gifted 100 guitars to underserved Nashville youth in partnership with Free Guitars 4 Kids. At the ceremony on Saturday (June 8), Gibson artists including Gibson Ambassador, guitarist and singer-songwriter Jared James Nichols, emerging country artist Payton Smith, as well as youth guitar players from the Gibson Generation Group-G3 program all helped coach hundreds of kids onsite with their new guitar and gear set up, and teach them some basic guitar chords for the day. Watch/share the Instagram video recap of the day, HERE.
“As part of our partnership with Free Guitars 4 Kids, Gibson Gives was thrilled to gift 100 Epiphone Power Player guitars and amps to youth in underserved communities throughout Nashville today,” said Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “With the help of Gibson Ambassador Jared James Nichols, our Gibson Generation Group G3 students, as well as emerging country artist Payton Smith, we’re not only distributing free guitars but also hoping to introduce, inspire, and amplify the power of music across all generations, genres, and genders.”
*bove: Gibson Ambassador, guitarist and singer-songwriter Jared James Nichols teaches a Free Guitars 4 Kids youth player how to play his new guitar.*
*bove (L-R): Gibson G3 Gabe Crumby, Gibson artists Payton Smith and Jared James Nichols, as well as Gibson G3 Lauren Hunter, and Gibson G3 Luna Cordoba. Free Guitars 4 Kids (FG4K) is a non-profit organization serving the Nashville metro area dedicated to providing musical instruments, specifically guitars, to children who may not have the means to afford one. Gibson Gives the non-profit division of the legendary music brand Gibson, supports the music community by assisting non-profit organizations in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused music education, health and wellness initiatives, and inclusive musical partnerships. The Gibson Gives Scholarship program has provided direct financial support to young students with music career aspirations and is on track to help many more players in 2024. Gibson Gives a 501(c)(3), is committed to cultivating and offering steadfast support for all communities. To date, Gibson Gives has raised over $4.5 million and enabled $46 million in funding for key organizations through product donations and meaningful giving worldwide, with 100 percent of all donations to and from Gibson Gives going towards providing the gift of music*.
Gibson Gives: GIBSON GIVES.ORG Free Guitars 4 Kids: FG4K.ORG
*About Free Guitars 4 Kids:*
The mission of Free Guitars 4 Kids (FG4K) is to transform the lives of kids in underserved communities through the gift of a guitar. At FG4K, we not only believe music is one of the greatest gifts we’ve been given, but also that the opportunity to play, compose or perform songs is one that every child should be afforded; and it is our goal to do just that! It is our belief that every child should be able to experience both the joy and the tangible benefits of owning a musical instrument, regardless of his or her ability to purchase one. We believe that putting an instrument into the hands of a kid does not go far enough to ensure that the child receives the full benefit of an instrument. FG4K seeks out partner organizations across the country to help ensure kids receive lessons, but more importantly, mentorship! We want these kids to thrive, and the guitar is an instrument towards that goal! Nonprofit organizations across the country can apply to bring FG4K to their organization. For more information, visit: https://fg4k.org/.
*About Gibson Gives:*
For over 130 years, the iconic and leading American instrument brand Gibson has been shaping sound across generations and genres. Gibson, and its charitable non-profit division Gibson Gives believe in the power of music, and that getting instruments into the hands of those with a desire to make music is a life-changing event. Gibson Gives–a 501(c)(3) is committed to making the world a better place by supporting non-profit organizations and developing programs in our efforts to advance musicians through music education, and health and wellness initiatives worldwide. Gibson Gives is committed to cultivating LGBTQ-inclusive partnerships and offering steadfast support for all communities. 100% of all donations to and from Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music. In the last three years, Gibson Gives has raised over $4.5 million dollars and enabled $46 million in funding for key organizations through product donations and meaningful giving worldwide. For more information, visit: www.gibsongives.org.
