Uplifting the community through the arts
Janet Wilson-Smith runs the Pueblo House in Pueblo, Colorado which is a nonprofit that helps youth in the community through education, music, and art. She brings in local musicians who volunteer their time to teach kids how to play a wide variety of instruments. Whether it's a keyboard or guitar, or even a French horn, Janet will find a way to satisfy the curiosity of a young mind.

However, it's not just the music lessons that attracts youth to the House. Janet offers access to a recording studio and the kids can make recordings and play them over the airwaves.

"As we begin a new year in 2020, we look forward to bringing the media courses and other new and exciting programs to Pueblo House(s) & KOYC Radio 98.5FM," she says. "We pride ourselves as being the only local, very eclectic, radio station with youth programs, all run by volunteers."
3 homes are better than one
Over the years, the Pueblo House program has grown in size by 2 additional houses by way of donation. Each home has been redesigned to meet the needs of the community and serve as a educational hub.

"We spent the last 8 years working on our 3 donated houses to make creative space for youth," Janet says. "Now that our renovations are complete, we are excited to begin regular classes, specializing in youth ages 10-18 (for the media classes) who have very limited resources."

The Foundation is grateful to Guitar Center for its support in our mission to help those learn to make music who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to do so. We provided the Pueblo House with a grant of instruments and equipment that included a bass guitar, and amplifier, cajones, studio monitors, microphones, and an electronic drum set plus sticks.
THE WATERMELON SPRING JAZZ SHOW
On Sunday, March 8, 2020, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM  ,  The Velarde Family is organizing The Watermelon Spring Jazz at the Canyon Club in honor of their son Davis who passed away due to cancer. The evening will feature a variety of live jazz including special guests Michael McDonald, Alex Brandenburg Quartet, award winning Lunch Break Big Band, New World Jazz Ensemble, Velasquez Latin Jazz Trio and many more artists.  General Admission, VIP Seating with Dinner, available VIP Reserved Table, Silent & Live Auctions with instruments and posters provided by the Foundation .  Tickets on sale here. 

Proceeds of this event will benefit deserving music students at Santa Barbara City College. As Davis experienced, along with a rigorous academic curriculum, music majors face many unique challenges. 

Please join us for an evening celebrating jazz, which was an inspiration to Davis’ music and character. We want to continue to inspire and assist in the development of young up and coming talents.

For more information about this amazing young man please visit:  https://davisvelarde.org
Auction items at Watermelon Spring Jazz Show
Here are a few of the items available at auction:

  • Rare autographed photo of Mick Fleetwood was taken at his performance with Fleetwood Mac

  • 5.5x14 Brooklyn Chrome Over Steel Snare Drum. With Remo snare head autographed by 11 top Artists for Grestch Drums. Truly a rare gathering of the best drummers of our time: Steve Ferrone - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers; Chris Fryar - Zac Brown Band; Matt Sorum - Kings of Chaos / Hollywood Vampires and many more.

  • Jimi Hendrix concert poster designed by John Van Hamersveld
Musical Mischief
Please help us support music programs with your donation today. Thank you!