Thousands of musicians lost their musical instruments to the LA fires. We are doing something about it.
Instrumental Giving powered by Altadena Musicians is our forthcoming registry app where musicians can list the gear they lost in the LA fires – and donors can help to replace them through gifting or purchasing directly. Think of it like a wedding registry for musicians! (And it’s tax-deductible!)
While our app is being built, due to the magnitude of the losses, we have launched a sign-up option to begin gathering your stories and instrument lists. For every type, make, model of instrument imaginable. Matches are being made, there are smiles with more to come.
We hear you.
We hear all your stories – whether temporary housing, sharing cars, smaller spaces with no room to put things. The LA and beyond communities are stepping up – with transport, storage and meet spot options. The good word is spreading. Recovery takes time and that’s what we have no limit to.
Your stories are with us, part of us now. Together we are building a new family and community – we are with you for the long-term.
Brandon Jay, in front of his house with one of two instruments he was able to save from the Eaton Fire.
Photo: Robert Moss, January 22, 2025
ALTADENA MUSICIANS FOUNDER Brandon Jay performing WITH HIS BAND AND KIDS at Pasadena Neighbor Day, JanUARY 19th, 2025
”I have been an amateur musician since I was ten years old. I starting learning to read music and play piano after I turned 50. I had friends play in the living room of my Altadena home, and played by myself into the night when no one was listening. In the Eaton fire I lost 1 Martin small body, 1 Alvarez thin body, and an acoustic guitar I bought in Australia in 2004. 1 vintage Epiphone crest wood with Danelectro nifty 50, 1 Steve Martin banjo 1 vintage ukelele one upright Yamaha piano (2000) one electric piano with weighted keys and a Yamaha snare drum. Thank you for creating this.”
~ Susan Littenberg
“Thank you for looking out for our local musicians. I’m not a musician except air guitar and air drums (I’m quite good lol), but I’m a lover of music, especially youth musicians. I’ve been helping replace instruments for our local students. I’m having trouble replacing a trumpet for a student. She was displaced by the fires – home and school. Her new school does not have an instrument for her. This is a rough time for displaced students. Any chance you know of a trumpet available for gifting or loan? I’m delivering a keyboard to a student today. Today is a good day!”
Raquel Perez-Pedroza
“I lost quite a few instruments from the fire, but the one I miss most is definitely my baritone sax. I bought it is 2003 from Oleg, who made it right here in Los Angeles. He was an eccentric old man with a shop on Ventura Blvd and he made incredible instruments. I’m not sure how many baritone sax’s he produced but I think the one I had was one of few. It was a strong horn, with a beautiful dark tone, and incredible designs along the bell. I haven’t been able to find any for sale in the last month…”
Jeffrey Sapin
“Losing instruments isn’t just about money. Every musician understands the bond with their gear—the way a guitar feels in your hands, the weight of a keyboard, the subtle tones only you notice. You can replace things, but you can’t replace history. And for the kids I taught, those instruments weren’t just objects; they were stepping stones to something bigger. To those who’ve lost something in a fire, I understand. It’s not just about what burned—it’s about the memories and meaning behind it all. But the fire didn’t take my passion for music or my drive to teach. Rebuilding won’t be easy, but the music will continue. And I will find a way to keep sharing it with the next generation.”
Michael Towns
Our Partners
Our Sponsors
Our Community Partners
