Santa Rosa–based nonprofit
SoCo Music Coalition has only been around since September, but already the music-education center has bonded with the community in the wake of the wildfires and is offering free music classes to kids through November.
Founded by longtime Sonoma County musician Robb Ringwald and recent North Bay transplant and Silicon Valley businesswoman Noelle Nicholson, the new nonprofit school of rock possesses all the equipment and instructors needed for kids between ages eight and 17.
In response to the recent wildfires, SoCo Music Coalition is hosting a new program, “Music Is Medicine,” and waiving its fees for the month of November. With no commitment required, the coalition is transforming into a refuge of creative outlet and positive focus to help kids recover emotionally from the fires.
This weekend, SoCo Music Coalition also hosts a rock ‘n’ roll fundraiser featuring veteran Seattle alternative group Malfunkshun (pictured) headlining. Founding guitarist Kevin Wood is still at the helm of the glam-meets-grunge legend. Local bands Hot Start, E Negative and the Marshall House Project open the show, and proceeds will help the coalition continue to serve the North Bay’s next generation of rock stars.
