National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) is launching its first fundraising initiative — the Guitar and Stringed Instruments Auction. The auction will run from Dec. 3-13 with musical instruments donated from Weezer, Nathaniel Rateliff, Leon Bridges, Graham Nash and more.
NITO has partnered with the premier auction site Charitybuzz to curate a selection of guitars and stringed instruments from artists including George Benson, David Bromberg, Mike Doughty, Fall Out Boy, Steve Forbert, Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T’s, Jack Johnson, Will Kimbrough, Mark Knopfler, Sonny Landreth, Tommy Lee, Nick Lowe, Steve Martin, J Mascis, John Mellencamp, Joe Satriani and more.
“These good people are an essential part of our local and international community. Without them the live music scene will collapse,” says Satriani in a release. “The current pandemic is mercilessly putting our collective health and livelihoods in great jeopardy. NITO can make our voices heard in Congress and Washington. Please join me in lending your support.”
NITO is a nonprofit organization comprised of over 1,000 independent talent agencies, management firms, associate artists and live touring entities fighting for crucial pandemic relief in Congress.
Additional artists contributing instruments include Thurston Moore, Graham Nash, Tim O’Brien, OK Go, John Petrucci, Bonnie Raitt, Bill Reynolds, Chris Smither, Los Straitjackets, Lars Ulrich, Steve Vai, Kurt Vile and The War On Drugs.
“Music is the lifeblood for many: music fans in front of the stage, those who work backstage, and the performers on the stage. NITO is fighting the fight for musicians and all those who make live music happen so everyone the world over may continue to enjoy the thrill and joy of hearing music in person,” said Smither in a release.
Instruments from all donors listed will be available during the 10 day auction period. For more information and a full list of auction items head here.
