On Thursday, April 28th, D’Angelico Guitars presented the 2nd annual Malibu Guitar Festival, organized by Malibu residents Doug DeLuca and John Watkin, which began in style to kick off its 4-day extravaganza at the Casa Escobar Restaurant in Malibu. The first night, filled with luminaries of the rock world, was driven by the primary goal to raise funds for children in need (i.e., via auctions), specifically for organizations like Mending Kids, Therasurf (which teaches children with special needs to thrive in the ocean), and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. Of course, the night would not be complete without live music – a welcome denominator throughout the 4 days. All in all, the atmosphere – which effortlessly combined altruism for children and the love of rock music – was appropriately festive.
The wife of Doug DeLuca, Alejandra, was also there in support of her husband and the causes that personally resonate with her. “Everything I do, I do for a purpose,” Mrs. DeLuca determinedly said. “I believe that life is about helping others out with generosity, in particular the children who are our future.”
Dorothy Lucey, former reporter of Good Day L.A., and board member of Mending Kids, an organization that helps children in need of surgical care, was all smiles at the Malibu-hosted event. “Mending Kids is a Malibu born-and-bred charity,” Lucey enthused. “And we are honored that this festival is helping us with the proceeds that will go toward Mending Kids continuing its medical efforts in 60 countries.”
High-profile celebrities undoubtedly added a degree of importance to the soirée. Of those present were actors such as Owen Wilson, and respected rock veterans of the sonic-amped stage such as The Empty Hearts band. It is a group unlike most because it is comprised of individuals who have already established their reputation in acclaimed acts like The Cars (guitarist Elliot Easton), Chesterfield Kings (bassist Andy Babiuk), The Romantics (guitarist/vocalist Wally Palmar) and Blondie (drummer Clem Burke).
The latter individual, Burke, was proud to be be there, and looked as if he hadn’t missed a beat in the last 30 years. Humbled that he was invited to play at the festival, Burke was insightful about the big picture, remarking, “Music is a great form of therapy whether you’re young or old. It also needs to be a big part of every school curriculum with the right funding.”
One of those kids who has become a young adult male is emerging artist, Lyric Dubee, an 18-year-old from Ontario, Canada, who performed on stage inside the restaurant, and has been a beneficiary of musical programs throughout his schooling. And, for him, it’s only apropos that he got the opportunity to give back to the local Malibu community just prior to the event by, in his own words, “teaching at local elementary and middle schools alongside the guitarist for Paul McCartney and WINGS (Laurence Juber).”
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