Music Gear

Honoring the Legends: Guitar Center Foundation’s 4th Annual Gala

We are proud to honor John McBride (@mcbrideblackbird) with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Annual Benefit Concert.

Music Gear

August 13, 2025

OohYeah

Beverly Hills, CA – September 11, 2025 — The Guitar Center Music Foundation is rolling out the red carpet for a night of music, inspiration, and impact. The 4th Annual Gala and Benefit Concert will take over The Maybourne in Beverly Hills, honoring industry giants whose legacies have shaped the soundtracks of our lives.

This year, the Lifetime Achievement Award goes to John McBride (@mcbrideblackbird) — master sound engineer, mentor, and educator whose work has elevated countless artists and transformed the way music is heard. McBride’s dedication to passing on his knowledge ensures the next generation of creators is equipped to innovate and inspire.

The Vanguard Award will be presented to the iconic producing and songwriting duo Jimmy Jam (@flytetymejam) and Terry Lewis (@flytetymelewis), GRAMMY® winners whose influence has spanned decades. Their artistry, paired with an unwavering commitment to music education, has left an indelible mark on culture.

Why Music Matters

For some, music may be just a hobby. But for others, music serves as a crucial lifeline — a path to healing, an opportunity to nurture untapped talent, an escape from the grim realities of everyday life, a break from generational trauma, or the start of a social revolution.

Each year, thousands of individuals nationwide benefit from the Foundation’s grants and initiatives, which provide instruments, music education, and opportunities to veterans, hospital patients, the unhoused, and those affected by natural disasters, as well as youth in schools and after-school programs.

Learning to play an instrument can have a profound impact on human development — improving social and academic skills, building confidence, nurturing creativity, and relieving stress. The benefits of making music are limitless. Unfortunately, music education is routinely — and mistakenly — undervalued. The Foundation’s mission is to change that.

More Than a Celebration — A Mission

Proceeds from the Gala fuel the Foundation’s work providing instruments, music education, and relief to musicians in need. From equipping schools impacted by wildfires to replacing gear for displaced artists, the Foundation’s reach touches lives across the country.

“Our annual Gala is a moment to celebrate the transformative power of music,” says Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center. “It’s also a reminder of our shared responsibility to keep it accessible to everyone.”

An Evening of Star Power

Under the musical supervision of Emmy and GRAMMY® winner Adam Blackstone, the night will feature performances from artists who have graced the world’s biggest stages, including the Super Bowl Halftime Show and tours with Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, and more.

The Foundation will also honor the bravery of firefighters who safeguarded communities during this year’s Los Angeles wildfires, underscoring the belief that music is a force for healing, unity, and hope.