Guitars Not Guns helps stops teen violence with family event set for March 28

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Guitars Not Guns, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to help stop violence in schools and on the streets by providing a music program for at-risk youth ages 8 to 18, is hosting a booth at the Lyons Avenue Renaissance Festival on Saturday, March 28, from1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The 2015 Lyons Avenue Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly and free annual celebration of the history, culture and revitalization of Houston’s historic 5th Ward and Lyons Avenue. This event is hosted by the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation (FWCRC), Houston City Council Member Jerry Davis and community partners.

Festival goers of all ages will experience an action packed afternoon, with lively attractions such as three live music stages featuring local artists, performances by local school groups, and children's entertainment. An expanded Kids Zone offers inflatables, pony rides, crafts, games, and one of Houston's largest Easter egg scrambles with 20,000 eggs being dropped by helicopter. The festival will also feature free health screenings for the entire family, an educational history “living museum” and multiple food vendors.

At the Guitars Not Guns booth, sponsored by Planet Lincoln, young participants will receive free books from Children’s Books on Wheels, and be able to participate in raffles for ten free guitars donated by Fuller’s Guitars. Children will also be able to play the numerous guitars at the booth and sign up for free guitar lessons.

“We are excited for this chance to bring the beauty of music into the lives of these children who might so desperately need creative outlets for their passions,” Lou Garino, president of Guitars Not Guns – Texas, said.

The Lyons Avenue Renaissance Festival will be held at 3700 Lyons Avenue, Houston, on Saturday, March 28, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.