Nathan’s Story

Nathan grew up in Modesto, California. During his childhood he and his siblings experienced homelessness, abuse and neglect, spent time in foster care, and were impacted by his parents’ drug and alcohol abuse. Music was the thread that ran through all these experiences. His mom was a musician and gave him a harmonica when he was 7 so he could perform with her. For several years, Nathan, his mom, and younger sister were on “tour”, living out of their car, couch surfing, and playing in bars. Nathan experienced the power of performing, feeling the audience respond to music, and seeing the tip jar filling up. As a kid, a full tip jar meant they would have a better dinner and not just the cheapest item on a fast food menu. During his childhood he was also exposed to different instruments through his mom’s friends and boyfriends and discovered jamming. 

During his teen years, Nathan got kicked out of all the schools in the city and his foster care placement. He played drums and bass with friends in multiple groups and started working construction to support himself. While playing with friends in a garage band Nathan was signed by a label and went on tour with a metal band. Nathan played various instruments in countless bands as a teenager and young adult, at times playing music every day of the week, crossing genres, and adapting to the needs of each group. After seeing his harmonica hero, Adam Gusso, playing his harmonica and a kick drum on the streets of Memphis, Nathan started experimenting with playing multiple instruments at the same time and the one-man-band was born.

Nathan has continued to write, and perform music throughout California and beyond with his handmade one man band gear which allows him to play guitar, harmonica, drums, and sing at the same time. He still works construction sometimes and stays in touch with a vast network of friends he has made over the years. He loves to adventure outdoors in a kayak or on a snowboard. Nathan contributes to many communities, hosting a huge camp at the Strawberry Music Festival that is known for all night jams and serving Bloody Marys to the entire festival. 

The Music Library comes from Nathan’s desire to live in a world where people can play instruments even though they can’t afford them.

Adrienne’s Story

Adrienne was fortunate to be in the first group of 3rd graders in her rural Maine school who were taught to play violin. In 4th grade, students who wanted to continue to play picked the string instrument of their choice. She chose viola and played classical music from 4th grade through college and beyond. When she got to the Strawberry Music Festival and saw people jamming she knew she wanted in but first she had to learn how to create music without reading it on a page. After many years of practice and encouragement from patient friends, Adrienne can now be found jamming at every opportunity. She plays a 5-string fiddle in several local bands.

Adrienne loves people and helping them grow and learn. She teaches Child Development at Columbia College and holds a MA in Community Studies and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership. 

Music has been a gift that keeps on giving in Adrienne’s life and the Music Library is the perfect match for her skills and passion.

Join us

Nathan and Adrienne have been jamming and performing together for several years and have now teamed up to launch the Music Library. If you’re passionate about making music and creativity accessible for everyone regardless of income, join the community by making a cash donation, donating an instrument, or volunteering!