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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Music as a Source of Hope and Connection
Nashville musician Steven Cade believes a guitar is more than an instrument—it is a tool for spreading hope, comfort, and connection among people facing some of life’s toughest challenges. Through his nonprofit organization, Giving Guitars, Cade and his family are bringing the power of music to individuals experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, and at-risk youth.
The Giving Guitars Mission
“There are a lot of people that cannot afford to buy an instrument. They cannot afford to go to a concert, and those folks are normally in homeless shelters, or foster homes, or at-risk youth, or domestic violence centers. I mean, people who have fallen on really difficult, challenging times in their lives,” said Cade.
Since its launch in 2021, Giving Guitars has visited over 170 shelters and organizations in 25 states and three countries. The nonprofit has donated more than 300 guitars, but Cade says the mission goes beyond just giving away instruments. “We want to go in there and let them know that they’re not forgotten and that they have value, and I feel like music is a way to sort of bridge that communication,” he explained.
A Personal Connection to the Cause
Cade’s commitment is grounded in his own experience with music, which has helped him personally. “What I’ve been able to accomplish through music is just tremendous. So, I want other people to have that ability or that opportunity as well,” he shared.
Impact Stories and Lasting Change
Giving Guitars visits shelters and organizations, where Cade performs, connects with residents, and donates instruments so that recipients can continue playing long after his visit. He recalled learning about a man who, after receiving a guitar while living in a homeless shelter and learning to play, eventually became the shelter’s director. Stories like this reinforce Cade’s belief that music can be part of someone’s journey to a better future.
Expanding Opportunities: Music Programs and Centers
Looking ahead, Cade hopes Giving Guitars’ impact will expand beyond simply distributing instruments. One of his goals is to establish music programs that connect individuals in shelters and other facilities with songwriting mentors, helping them turn their personal experiences into music.
Furthermore, Cade dreams of opening dedicated music centers for those who might not otherwise have access to music education or opportunities in the entertainment industry. These centers could provide lessons in songwriting, live performance, sound production, and other music-related fields, reaching major cities around the world.
The Importance of Time and Kindness
For now, Cade believes that even small acts of kindness matter. “The most valuable thing that we have is time. People say, ‘Well, money is you know the most valuable thing’ or something. But I think that just to sit down and give someone your time and to listen,” he said.
Annual Benefit Concert to Support Giving Guitars
To support its mission, Giving Guitars will host its third annual benefit concert on Monday, November 2, at City Winery Nashville. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will feature live music from hit songwriters. The event will also include a silent auction, with a guitar signed by country music star Kane Brown among the items up for bidding.
The organization seeks volunteers and donations to sustain its work. For more information about Giving Guitars, to make a donation, or to learn about the benefit concert, visit givingguitars.org.
Source: wkrn.com.
