As funding belts tighten, local businesses and organizations have created a unique way to support local music events and programs - via two special commemorative autographed guitar giveaways this summer at Tahoe City’s Concerts on Commons Beach and Palisades Tahoe’s Bluesdays concerts. Proceeds from the drawings will help support music events and programs in North Lake Tahoe.
 
Each week, performers at both shows will autograph a special Fender Squire Bullet Stratocaster guitar. The guitars, along with a complete package including a VOX amp, accessories and guitar lessons, will be given away at the final concerts of the summer.

Local business owners and musicians Eric Brandt and Blake Beeman, both members of the local band "The Beer Gardeners", conjured up the idea last winter as a way to help generate funds for school music programs that were being hit by budget cuts.

“We’ve been part of the music scene here for many years and want to give back to ensure its future,” explained Eric Brandt, President of Tahoe TV. “These funds will not only help continue the great live shows, but also contribute to our local school music programs that create talented musicians.”

"Part of the idea was to get the music venues and performers, who all have the opportunity to share the wonderful music scene here, to participate in helping fund the school music programs," added Beeman. "The autographed guitars became the perfect thing. They're very cool."

Proceeds from the Commons Beach guitar giveaway will be donated to the Tahoe City Downtown Association for support of next year’s concerts. Proceeds from the Bluesdays guitar giveaway will be donated to support youth music programs at North Tahoe High School and Middle School.
 
The fundraiser was created and prizes for the drawing have been donated by Tahoe TV, Seventh Wave Sound and Tahoe School of Music. The program are supported and coordinated with the help of The Village at Palisades Tahoe and the Tahoe City Downtown Association. 
 
A $10 donation provides entry to either one of the drawings, and the winners will be drawn at the final shows of the season – on Aug. 30 at Palisades Tahoe’s Bluesdays and on Sept. 4 at Commons Beach.
 
Entries can be made in person at each of the shows, or by:

Pledging a donation via text - Text “Bluesdays” or “Commons” to 24587,

or enter online: 

For Bluesdays at www.tahoetopia.com/bluesdays

For Commons Beach at www.tahoetopia.com/commons.