Altadena Musicians Launches “Instrumental Giving” App connecting Musicians to Donors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Altadena Musicians Launches “Instrumental Giving” App to Help Musicians Replace Instruments Lost in Natural Disasters

ALTADENA, CA — April 25, 2025— Altadena Musicians, the nonprofit initiative founded in the wake of devastating California wildfires, is proud to announce the launch of Instrumental Giving — a first-of-its-kind app designed to help musicians replace cherished instruments and records lost in natural disasters.

Co-founded by composer Brandon Jay and his wife Gwendolyn Sanford (known for their work on Weeds, Orange Is the New Black, and Romy and Michele the Musical) and run by a group of music industry professionals, Altadena Musicians was born out of personal tragedy. When the Eaton Fire destroyed their home, studio, and nearly all of their instruments, the couple transformed their loss into action — building a registry to help musicians like themselves recover.

Now, with the launch of the Instrumental Giving app, Altadena Musicians is making it even easier for victims of fires, floods, and other natural disasters to restore what they’ve lost.

“We knew we weren’t alone,” says Brandon Jay. “Thousands of musicians lost not just equipment — but their lifeblood. Our app is about connection, recovery, and rebuilding creativity.”

How Instrumental Giving Works:

Musicians impacted by disaster can create a verified registry of lost instruments, studio equipment, or record collections — down to the make, model, color, and any photos they have.

• Donors can browse the registry and gift specific items or contribute funds directly toward a musician’s recovery.
• Think of it like a wedding registry — but for rebuilding musical lives.

The app is an extension of Altadena Musicians’ core mission: helping artists reclaim the tools of their trade and the magic of their craft. Through a partnership with the Creative Visions Foundation, all donations are tax-deductible under 501(c)(3) status.

More Than Equipment — A Movement

“Each instrument tells a story,” adds Sanford. “They carry memory, lineage, and soul. While we can’t replace the past, we can help build a new future — one note at a time.”

With natural disasters becoming more frequent, Instrumental Giving offers a timely and essential solution — one built by musicians, for musicians.

Join Us

Musicians: Register your story and your lost gear at altadenamusicians.org

Donors: Browse registries or give at altadenamusicians.org/donate

Download the App:  App Store / Google Play

Follow the movement on Instagram @AltadenaMusicians

About Altadena Musicians

Founded in Altadena, California, Altadena Musicians is a musician-led recovery effort aimed at helping artists affected by natural disasters restore the tools of their art. With support from the Creative Visions Foundation, the organization provides a human-centered, artist-powered response to crisis and loss.

Press Contact:

KC Mancebo
[email protected]
310-614-6036
altadenamusicians.org / instrumentalgiving.org