Colorado Music Foundation/Courtesy photo
Do you have an old guitar you never play? Or has your kid forgotten how to play the violin and never uses it anymore? These instruments need new homes and Zach Gilliam with the Colorado Music Foundation is here to facilitate the transition of your instrument to an eager musician.
Zach Gilliam is the founder and president of the Colorado Music Foundation, a local nonprofit whose mission is to build and support a thriving music community with a focus on providing Colorado musicians with performance opportunities and access to music education.
“In 2023, I created an event called “Listen to the Music Songwriter Series” after recognizing a gap in local performance opportunities conducive to supporting the original music of lesser-known musicians. Feedback from both attendees and musicians inspired me to explore additional ways to create a legacy rooted in purpose and passion which birthed the Colorado Music Foundation,” Gilliam said.
On Saturday, Gilliam is hosting an instrument drive to get more guitars, bass, violins, cellos, ukuleles, keyboards and drums in the hands of those who want to play and explore musical possibilities. Eagle River Brewing Company in Gypsum will host the event complete with a holiday twist. Attendees will get to view the popular film, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” on the huge screen with accompaniment from a live band playing Vince Guaraldi’s iconic soundtrack.
“Featured musicians include Jacob Stanley of Endless Shrimp, Dylan Cogdal of The Evolution and Teddy Jones of Danger Mountain String Band,” Gilliam said. “Those who donate new or used instruments and receive raffle tickets plus a free Eagle River Brewing beer.”
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Gilliam also mentioned there is a long list of raffle prizes from community sponsors including instruments, concert tickets, gift cards, ski gear, massages and more.
Why is this instrument drive necessary?
“We need musicians!” Gilliam said. “Music is a vital component of our culture and a very important resource for expression and connection. In a day and age where AI and computers are taking over, the art and discipline of learning to play an instrument becomes increasingly more valuable. I think investing in igniting passion for music with all generations is one of the most effective strategies to build and support a thriving music community.”
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Gilliam picked up the guitar in the sixth grade and never put it down. He formed a blues trio in college before moving to Nashville, where he joined an indie rock band. In 2019, he moved to Avon and joined the local jam band, The Runaway Grooms. Lastly, Gilliam has played bass for Denver-based country band Clay Street Unit in 2024.
“I’ve served plenty of roles in my musical journey including songwriter, talent buyer, talent agent, musician, music teacher, sound engineer, promoter and concert organizer,” said Gilliam, who has recorded seven albums and toured in 37 states and three countries. Now, he’s ready to ignite the spark in others.
“It’s amazing to see the initial level of stoke people get when they first pick up an instrument. It’s almost as if they immediately envision themselves rocking out or relate to a musical idol,” Gilliam said. “Some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had were witnessing the evolution of a new player from knowing absolutely nothing to having the skill set to navigate the instrument or even write their own song.”
The instrument donation event at 6 p.m. is for all ages and admission is free. Bring your holiday spirit, appetite, thirst and instruments if you have one or more to donate.