On Wednesday Sept. 17th , Taylor Guitars and the San Diego Music Foundation celebrated eight years of supporting music education at the 18th Annual San Diego Music Awards Show at Viejas Concerts in the Park in San Diego County. The night began with a rocking performance by longtime Taylor player, Steve Poltz whose album, Traveling, was nominated for “Album of the Year.” Another Taylor player, Joel Rafael, had fists in the air as he sung Woodie Guthrie inspired protest songs to a packed house. Backed by his sultry voiced daughter, Jamaica Rafael, Joel performed songs from his SDMA nominated Best Americana or Country Album, Thirteen Stories High.
SDMF and Taylor Guitars have raised close to $500,000 in the past eight years for music education programs in San Diego County. In addition to monetary support, Taylor has donated nearly 1,500 Baby Taylors (3/4-scale acoustic guitars) to local elementary schools. The guitars are typically for use of students in grades 3-6.
Taylor president and CEO Bob Taylor states, “It’s well known that children who study music do better in all their other studies. With guitar being the instrument most kids want to learn, there lies a problem with the fact that there are few choices of guitars that are sized for children and fit for the school environment. By partnering with SDMA we’ve been able to bring nearly 60 elementary schools, up to 24 guitars each to run their programs. It is wildly popular and we’re very proud of our accomplishment in the schools.”
The night concluded with Taylor players and friends, Slightly Stoopid, taking home the coveted “Album of the Year,” award for their record Chronchitis. It was a fabulous night and Taylor Guitars is proud to be part of a vibrant local music community and honored to provide musical instruments for children in schools.
For a complete list of this years winners please visit http://sandiegomusicawards.com
