Guitars Not Guns - Empowering Teens with the Guitar

Professor Gregg Hammond~ Musician, Mentor, Guitar Teacher, Philanthropist, Author. Born in DC Gregg's family moved away in the late 60's to escape the violence of the riots. The move landed him in the Florida Keys where he grew up and learned to live in the natural surroundings, worked teaching fishing, snorkeling, & exploring in the backcountry islands of the Keys. Hurricane's destroyed his guitar studio and then his home. With his dog and a guitar, he began a journey to find a larger purpose for his life. He traveled highways and wilderness mountains, searching for his truth. Returning to DC in 2002, Gregg experienced violence in the streets. His father and he were randomly attacked by a gang of kids in 04. Held at gunpoint by teens in 05, and nearly ambushed again from another gang in 06. These experiences compelled him to take action to make a difference. He founded GNG DC, and volunteers his time, wearing many hats within the charity to keep it going. He has witnessed miracles in the classroom. His VISION includes bringing the world together, all playing the same song at the same time, featuring many of the Guitars Not Guns students up on the stages with great musicians like Paul McCartney, U2, Ben Harper, and Sting to mention a few on the list.