Bay Area Rock Festival, the leading San Francisco festival of progressive rock and metal music is pleased to announce a national program to generate

awareness and resources for the efforts of Guitars Not Guns.

Guitars Not Guns (GNG) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that provides guitars and lessons to foster children, at-risk youth and other deserving children, serving kids and teens ages 8-18. Currently, Guitars Not Guns has active chapters in 7 states with 18 additional states pending. To support this program, guitars, teachers and donations are desperately needed.

To support the activities of Guitars Not Guns, 100% of the profits from the festival are going straight to the charity. Additionally, every person that donates an acoustic guitar in good condition to the charity will receive a one-night pass to the Bay Area Rock Festival on the night of their choice ($50 value!). A raffle will also be held at the show of merchandise provided by the artists and other local and national sponsors to benefit the local San Francisco chapters of Guitars Not Guns.

For people who are not attending the Bay Area Rock Festival and wish to donate money, time or guitars to the charity, they can contact their local chapter listed on the Guitars Not Guns website, or make a donation directly to Guitars not Guns, 4 Avis Ct. Orinda, California 94563. Every person who makes a donation or signs up to provide guitar lessons will be entered into a drawing to win merchandise from the artists of Bay Area Rock Fest and any additional merchandise that is provided. A complete list of merchandise available for the drawing will be available at this location.

The Gibson Foundation has donated 2 guitars which will be autographed by the bands and used for the raffle at the show and the national drawing. Companies or Artists desiring to donate merchandise can email donations@bayarearockfest.com. Corporate donation details for the festival are also available through GNGcorporate@bayarearockfest.com

"Guitars Not Guns offers a positive alternative to troubled youth to encourage a lifelong interest in music that can hopefully provide a bright future. We look forward to expanding our reach in California and throughout the US with this program", comments Frank Darling, California chapter president of Guitars Not Guns.

Bay Area Rock Fest will take place on Friday and Saturday, May 4th and 5th at The Independent in San Francisco. Confirmed artist include JON OLIVA'S PAIN, SPOCK'S BEARD, CRIMSON GLORY, ENCHANT, MOB RULES, BALANCE OF POWER, ZERO HOUR, EYEFEAR, TIMELINE and ODIN'S COURT.

Tickets are available through TicketWeb.com.