BOERNE — Free Roam Brewing is the place to be Nov. 16 when “Music 4 Heroes” honors first responders, active-duty service members, veterans and their families through the healing power of music.
Music 4 Heroes is a free, family-friendly event running 2-8 p.m. at the brewery, 325 S. Main St.
It’s hosted by Music 4 Life Blues 4 the Soul, an organization formed by San Antonio’s Kat Witten in honor of her husband, the late Will Witten
Performances include Will Witten Memorial Scholarship recipients, students from San Antonio Music Academy and live country music by Austin Gilliam and The Well Fed, followed by The Reed Brothers.
“Kat said she wanted to host another Music 4 Heroes event,” said Michael Lannon, the event coordinator.
Based in San Antonio, Music 4 Life Blues 4 the Soul primarily supports “nonprofits that promote music education and therapeutic options for active military, veterans and their families,” according to the website musicblues4life.com/.
The organization honors the memory of combat veteran Will Witten, a decorated, retired Army first sergeant who died in December 2021, officials said.
“His enduring love of music and desire to support military members, veterans and their families stand at the foundation of our commitment,” according to the group’s website.
Witten believed that music had healing powers, officials said, especially for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
“An avid guitarist and Army veteran, Will understood the benefits of self-expression through music,” Lannon said.
Through the scholarship program, the organization sponsors over 50 children in partnership with three music academies, including San Antonio Music Academy.
“Music helps kids when their parents deploy, especially if you keep getting moved around and around,” Lannon said. “It gives them something that helps fill that void. It really helps out the kids.”
Two highlights of the Music 4 Heroes event at Free Roam will be guitar playing and a special presentation.
“Kat just wanted to present a service dog to someone who needed it,” Lannon said.
Trained by Kandid K9s in Escondido, California, a service dog will be adopted by Logan Klaerner, son of Kendall County Sheriff’s Lt. Kevin Klaerner.
In addition, Music 4 Life will have guitars on hand for anyone who knows how to play, wants to play or desires to learn how to play.
“If you’re a veteran or active duty, we’ll provide a music scholarship if that’s what you’re interested in,” Lannon said. “We’ll put a guitar in your hand and pay for lessons for a year.”
Lannon encourages veterans, active military and first responders to attend and be honored by the organization, formed in memory of “a man who loved his service to the country .... and loved his guitar.”
Comment
Comments