The "old hippie" attitude has surfaced again, and I need your help.

Recently, I started picking up breakfast tabs for single diners in the morning.

A little gesture. Someone did it for me one day, and I was so pleasantly surprised!

Once a month, I want to give a promising young musician $100.00 to spend on lessons, an effects pedal, a capacitor job on a tube amplifier...new heads on several drums....strings, a fretboard replacement...a microphone....whatever! You can do any of the above things and lots more for $100.00.

I awarded the first $100.00 today, and want to do another in March (this month) and every month thereafter.

If you know of a deserving kid (age...your call...family members NOT EXCLUDED), just send me a private email (see my profile)telling me who the youngster is (names not necessary) and why they deserve this little recognition.

I'll make the selection, then contact you. I would like to send you either a check you would cash and present to the youngster, or a gift card...the choice is up to you (age will probably be a factor in your choice).


All I will ask is that you tell the person that you have a friend who was talking about how important talented youngsters are to the future of music and who asked if you knew anyone who would appreciate a little recognition. I'd count on you to clear things with parents and get the prize to the winner. I'd prefer anonymity, other than a reference to our relationship and desire to do something together.

I'll keep all names on file and add them to a short list I have started. I plan to do this each month for the foreseeable future. At best, I'll alternate months; one from my list and one from the "zone" list.

I remember that saving for a new set of strings was a major deal when I was growing up. I carried a guitar in a cloth sack because I didn't have a case. An "old hippie" (like me, now)gave me an old Gibson; a major event that paved the way for a lifetime involvement and appreciation of this wonderful art form.

Point is, this is a simple little gesture that could further encourage a promising youngster.

And we'll ALL be better off for the effort.

In appreciation.


Russ

P.S. I still have that old guitar and use it with great appreciation and fondness.

Nice gesture, Russ. I'm constantly amazed at your generosity toward aspiring musicians and proud to call you my friend.

Gary

Indeed!

Blessings,
Don

This is what hunanity keeps from going insane, people helping others.

Kudos to you captain..

That is wonderful Russ.

Very nice gesture . Well done

What else to say than "you are the man".

Thank you for your kindness and your help promoting youth music.

Russ, without a doubt you are the most giving person I know ...

Thanks! I feel a special closeness to all who responded, and would absolutely not question a submission by any of you. Remember, family members...grand kids, nephews, neighbors...any good kid that you recommend will be appreciated.


Thanks, again


Russ

Russ ... thank you for the offer ... My wife and I decided a while back that one of the best gifts we could give our grandchildren would be the gift of music education ... so far only our two grandsons have taken us up on it - one on piano and one on alto sax - unfortunately, neither of our two granddaughters have taken our offer, but there is always hope ...
For me, one of the great joys this past Christmas was playing a couple of songs with both grandsons - and THEY seemed to enjoy it also ...

That is great Tony ... they could be candidates.

Russ

What a great gesture. Congradulations. Very uplifting post. Thanks !!

I've told my wife that when my time comes to either sell my music stuff and donate the money or just donate the instruments to some worthy school or church.
Keep the music playing.

Nigel ... what Russ is doing is absolutely wonderful, and I am extremely grateful that we are in a position to provide this for our grandchildren ...
Hopefully some less fortunate individuals will take Russ up on his offer ...

My very good friend, Don Mason provided me with the first young person to participate in this project.

He works at Ernest's, where Don plays often.

The project is on-going. I will be choosing one kid from my list and another from the "synth" list a month.

I'm thinking of extending the effort...awarding $10.00 for each "A", $5.00 for each "B" and $10.00 a point for a semester grade point average above 2.0. A kid with a 3.0 would get $100.00. A 3.5 would get a kid a bonus of $150.00. Someone with 10 A's and a 4.0 average would get $300.00 that semester. I will do that every semester for kids registered in traditional schools and come up with an equivalent reward program for others. I would extend this program thru college years. I will place a cap at $30,000.00 per year in outlays and adjust/add kids as they come in and out of the program.

I'm pretty open for suggestions on the types of kids to be rewarded. ANY promising kid is a candidate. What's important is, there is appreciation and support shown for their efforts.

Someone cares.

Special thanks to Don for helping out. That wasn't a surprise.


Russ