It seems to be all about music and philanthropy this spring, and I for one am strongly in favor of the combination.

Guitars 4 Troops was started by a small music store in Tennessee, The Guitar Gallery. The organization does exactly what it sounds like it does–sends guitars and other musical instruments to our troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its mission: “To give the gift of music to our military personnel while they are away from home.”

Larry Goldfarb of Suffolk Recording Studios heard about Guitars 4 Troops on the radio and decided to bring the spirit of giving to Long Island. On May 1st, from 3 – 6 pm, local musicians will come together to play music and raise money to send guitars to soldiers overseas. This is taking place at Bobbique, 70 W Main St in Patchogue.

Performers that day include Kerry Kearney, Lonesome Dan and the Curmudgeons, Katie Pearlman, the F & G Blues Band featuring Edlene Hart, and Sim Urivetsky. Like its Nashville roots, this Guitars 4 Troops event will be a fine blend of bluesy-country-songwritery-americana goodness.