Concord concert supports guitar lessons for local kids

CONCORD, CA (Nov. 19, 2024) — Pioneer music columnist Dave Hughes will emcee a special concert on Saturday, Nov. 30, to benefit Guitars Not Guns.

The event at Vinnies Bar & Grill will include live music, dancing, BBQ dinner plates and a raffle featuring a special guitar.

Guitars Not Guns provides free guitars and lessons to foster kids, at-risk youth and other children in a classroom setting with qualified volunteer teachers. “We are not anti-gun; we are anti-gun violence, especially in schools,” says Barbara Anne Gorin, director of the Contra Costa chapter.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with the show running 6 p.m. to midnight. Musical entertainment features Jim Phelps and Danny Cronan, Miss Reese & Her Pieces, the Breedloves & Friends and the Inflatables.

“We’ll have incredible prizes donated by community businesses and donors that will be raffled off throughout the evening, “ Gorin notes, adding that proceeds will help purchase gig bags and accessories for the students. “No child is turned away for lack of funds.”

Vinnies Bar & Grill is a 21+ venue at 2045 Mt. Diablo St., Concord. Early bird tickets are $15; $20 after 7 p.m.