Press release GUITARMY "We Come In Peace" In Concert- A set of Led Zeppelin songs, performed by guitar students of Musicscool (at More Music)- and a band of top professionals-  Tiran Porter, David Tucker, Dale Ockerman, and Jeff Larson; preceded by a set of classic rock favorites and originals. Plus an opening set of other guitarmy rock classics and originals. At The Vets Hall, 846 Front Street Santa Cruz, Sunday, December 16th  Presented by Musicscool and More Music. A Benefit performance for Guitars,not Guns; and Musicscool scholarships. Music in public schools has suffered such deep cuts lately, that professional musicians giving lessons and mentoring young people has become an effective alternative. This show could be looked at as Musicscool’s first “Recital”! Dale, who plays in, and produces the wildly popular White Album Ensemble shows (who make waves by doing spot-on recreations of Beatles albums- selling out theaters and appearances with the symphony) has been operating and teaching at a music school he started in 2005 called Musicscool, because it is. A common response to hearing the Beatle albums done live was “great, what are you gonna do next?” After the Beatles, who don’t tour, and the Stones, who still tour- the next Classic Rock group who don’t tour, but have a giant footprint on rock culture would be Led Zeppelin. Like the Beatles, there was much overdubbing of multiple guitar parts, as well as keyboard parts that were never performed live exactly as they were recorded. ‘Kashmir”, for example- was rumored to contain 50 guitar tracks to achieve its majestic sound , “Stairway to Heaven” had an acoustic intro, then a 12 string,, then a telecaster solo, slide guitar and more.  It seemed a great opportunity for another live rock experience, like the White Album Ensemble, get enough creative like- minded people and you can rebuild the pyramids, musically speaking.  So many of Dale’s Musicscool guitar students, and keyboard/guitar students wanted to learn Led Zeppelin songs that the guitar army was enthusiastically enlisted. Featuring Eight student guitarists, Hunter Braymer, Drew Grasso, Jesse Holsapple, Will McDougall, the Wallace brothers, Nick and Tyee, Dan Loop and Cam Racca- students ranging in age from 10 to 15, backed up by the super rhythm section of Tiran Porter on Bass, (also of the White Album Ensemble and 25 years with the Doobie Brothers), Dale Ockerman on guitars, mandolin, keys ( White Album Ensemble, Doobie brothers, Snail) and David Tucker (Maria Muldaur, James Armstrong) on drums, a John Bonham devotee if there ever was one. Nick, and Will both double on keyboards.  For the Robert Plant vocals- who better than Jeff Larson, lead vocalist of the premier Led Zeppelin tribute band, "Heartbreaker"! The first set of rock classics will include such appropriate material as the “School of Rock song” from the Jack Black movie, Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall”, the Who’s  “My Generation- as well as other guitararmy (multiple guitarists) songs as Derek and the Dominoes’ “Layla’, Lynard Skynard’s “Sweet Home Alabama”, The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” and ”While my Guitar Gently Weeps” will feature the guitorchestra and lead vocals by James Durbin, a Musicscool student and local phenomenon who’s wowed the local crowds as the lead male vocalist/performer of Kids on Broadway’s “Beauty and the Beast”, All About Theater’s “West Side Story”, and “Sweet Charity”; as well as performances with his metal band, the Taken. Tickets- $10.00 in advance, $12.00 at the door- night of show Advance tickets are available at Streetlight records, Santa Cruz, More Music, Santa Cruz, and online at tix.com Vets Hall- 831-454-0478, Musicscool- 512b front st. 426- 6060 More Music- 512 front st. 458 2438

IRONY from santa cruz will be the opening act for  the concert of  international day of peace- a  guitars not guns benefit. they will be representing GNG santa cruz county. the band is fantastic. please come and support our youth.
International Day of Peace

INTERNATIOANL DAY OF PEACE: CLAIM PEACE NOW!
Vets Hall: 846 Front St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Each year on September 21st, thousands of events take place all around the world for the International Day of Peace. Established by a United Nations resolution in 2001 as a non-violent 24- hour cease-fire day, it has gained global popularity and support. This day provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. 

Locally, a benefit concert to support the International Day of Peace will be held at the Vets Hall on Thursday, September 21, 2006 from 7:00 pm to 12:00 pm. The cost of the event will be on a sliding scale $10 - $20.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at Street Light Records, 939 Pacific Ave. or on the night of the event.

The night brings together popular local performers, such as Universal Language and Dis Moi as well as other local artists.  Money raised from the event will be donated to Guitars Not Guns and Barrios Unidos to further their efforts for transforming aggression and teaching ways of peace to youth. There has also been a proclamation submitted to the city council to have this day be proclaimed by the City of Santa Cruz as a ˜Day of Peace.

We are committed to bringing the community together in solidarity and in recognition of the International Day of Peace. This day will be the beginning of an annual celebration for having global peace one day.

For additional information on the Santa Cruz International Day of Peace, please contact, Organizer Chris Hanson at (831) 246-0913. colido@hotmail.com
internationaldayofpeace.org

We have partnered with the Live Oak Middle School and will be serving youth living in an unincorporated area of the City of Santa Cruz. Our volunteer teachers look forward to bringing music and mentorship to the new class. Please consider helping as a volunteer. As little as one hour a month can make a huge difference in a young persons life ( basic chords are all that is needed). We need  volunteers in a variety of areas- please see the volunteer suggestion list.

Update on the fantastic fundraiser weekend we had at the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz. Thanks to the White Album Ensemble,
a part of our family in Santa Cruz County, our drawing was very successful. We held a drawing for Gibson Guitars donated from the Gibson Foundation, we also had
a great guitar from Guitar Showcase in San Jose and strings and shirts from Dean Markley of Santa Clara. As if that wasn't enough, a good Samaritan
from the community donated San Francisco Giants tickets while standing in line outside. Holy home run!
We are so grateful to these sponsors and the good people in the community of Santa Cruz County for their
generous support. These wonderful prizes helped take our fundraiser to the next level.

We of course are so very proud of our tireless volunteers, teachers and students who worked both nights into the wee hours. Morgan and Drew serenaded the crowd with their great
guitar chops. Our teachers Mike Keller, Patti Maxine, Rosemarie Echelson,Jay Holiday, volunteers Joanie and Bob Fisher (you rule Joanie), Linda Perez, Alex, David,Marcel,Michaela,
and Jimmy helped spread the word and raise funds for more guitars to supply upcoming classes throughout the county.
Did I mention that the concert was fabulous!!!! I think our students were inspired by the spirit in the music of the Beatles.

The volunteers, teachers, students, and people of Santa Cruz County continue to make it a joy for us as we spread music though our pro-social music program.
We truly are making a difference for youth in our community!  Enjoy the photos and thank you ALL again for being part of our Guitars not Guns family.

Richard Salazar
Santa Cruz County President - See Photos

Graduation at Boy's and Girl's Club!!

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 Graduation was held at the Boys and Girls Club in  Santa Cruz at 543 Center street on Saturday April 29,2006 at 1 p.m. Thanks to the teachers who were committed to this 8 week class. The students, who were successfully tested, was awarded a certificate of completion and will keep their assigned guitar. Matt Cole lead teacher

Family and friends attend the graduation.

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Patti Maxine Matt Cole

Director Santa Cruz County