Left Hand Valley Courier - All Local, All The Time

The goal to help low-income students have access to drum lessons continues this weekend for Boulder Drum Studio and the Drumming for Jared program.

Larry Bennett, who owns and operates the studio, established Drumming for Jared earlier this year following the tragic October 2016 death of 19-year-old Niwot resident Jared Lizakowski in a motorcycle accident on Niwot Road.

Lizakowski had been a long-time student of Bennett’s, and thanks to Drumming for Jared, many more youngsters are able to take lessons, get equipment and continue their musical endeavors at Bennett’s studio.

“I wanted to do a little more for the community,” Bennett said. “At the same time we needed help with the program and the added students.”

The studio has grown, and in order to help keep it going, they are holding a silent auction from 4 to 6 p.m. on May 21 at The Riverside, 1724 Broadway, Boulder.

Bennett reached out to his connections in the music world and has amassed a wide variety of items up for auction.

“It’s been quite an undertaking,” Bennett said. “As we delve into fundraising, we set goals we thought were sizable. But the outpouring of love and support over the last five months has greatly exceeded those goals.”

They have raised over $26,000 for music students already, even more with their GoFundMe page, and the amount of low-income students getting lessons has risen as well.

“All of these donations are gracious and from the heart,” Bennett said. “I really appreciate everything that everyone is doing. It’s not just local support, it’s worldwide. I’ve been hearing from childhood inspirations, there are so many that inspired me over the years, and they’ve been getting in touch over the phone or email.”

People who have donated items for the auction include a wide variety of equipment manufacturers and some notable names in the music industry.

Cindy Blackman, drummer and wife of guitarist Carlos Santana, sent a signed picture along with a colored lithograph signed by her and Santana.

“That was very unexpected,” Bennett said. “That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Things have been coming in from drummers and drum companies. I’ve reached out to local businesses in the area, and artisans online. The donations are coming from all sorts of places. The list is pretty extensive at this point.”

“There is going to be a lot to look at and bid on. You don’t have to be a drummer to enjoy the event. You’ll find something that you like.”

Support isn’t just coming from musicians - local businesses have provided most of the items that will be available at the auction.

“It’s great to have the local support as well,” Bennett said. “There’s a plethora of things that people would like. It’s a wonderful list of things available.”

There will be a raffle and door prizes at the event along with food, beverages and entertainment.

“We expect a lot of people to be there,” Bennett said. “A lot of the students will perform live there during the event.”

A link to Drumming for Jared can be found at the studio’s website, http://www.boulderdrumstudio.com.

“We really appreciate all of the support we’re getting,” Bennett said. “Not only from the donor side, but from the staff that helps — including my wife Lori — as far as what this takes to make it successful.”

A 501 c(3) non-profit corporation, “Join A Revolution Educate Drummers and Other Musicians,” also known as J.A.R.E.D., has been established by Jared Lizakowski’s parents, Renae and Surinder Dahiya, separate and apart from Bennett’s efforts.Their organization is in the process of raising funds to provide scholarships for drummers as well as other musicians, wherever they may take lessons.

The mission of J.A.R.E.D. is “to increase access to music education for underprivileged students by assisting with funding for music lessons or instruments,” according to the bylaws.

J.A.R.E.D. will be the tip jar recipient on June 29 at Rock & Rails in Niwot this summer when Rebecca Folsom performs. Other fundraising activities are planned, according to Renae Dahiya.