Wayne Kramer Celebrates 75th Birthday With Grand Opening of the C.A.P.O. Center a JGD Non-Profit

Music legend Wayne Kramer celebrated his 75^th birthday surrounded by friends, family, loved ones, and music students from the latest program through his non-profit Jail Guitar Doors (JGD). Kramer and friends inaugurated the Community Arts Programming and Outreach Center with an auction and live performances by students and special guests such as Jason Heath and The Greedy Souls, Ozomatli’s Raul Pacheco, Tom Morello, and more on Saturday, April 29.

The night was filled with pure joy and inspiration as the young men who participate in JGD expressed their gratitude towards Kramer and their music teachers who have helped them change their lives through the focus of music. Every performer, from students to recording artists and even Rage Against The Machine’s famed guitarist Tom Morello shared their appreciation towards Kramer and the work his non-profit JGD does for system-impacted youth and other.

The night was a triple celebration not only honoring Kramer’s 75^th birthday but also serving as the 15^th anniversary of JGD and the grand opening of JGD’s latest program the C.A.P.O. Center in Los Angeles, California. The center offers the youth an opportunity to learn several skills from the entertainment industry such as: songwriting, music production, audio engineering, computer animation, writing, filmmaking, marketing, artist management, and so much more. JGD also held an auction in-person and online in which donors bid on donated items such as signed guitars, jerseys, merchandise packages, tickets, and more. Artist such as The Marias, Deadmau5, My Morning Jacket, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Nikki Sixx, and others donated lots of interesting items for the auction.

The live performance was kicked off by music teachers Leana and Cole followed by C.A.P.O.’s All Star Band composed of several students. Each student took a turn to shine on stage starting with Dnd Mack, Kzo World, JC, Raashey, and Zach de Lucifer. Rapper and JGD music teacher Morrison Machiavelli got a bit emotional when sharing a spoken word speech and speaking on the growth he has seen in every young man that shared their talent on stage. Mickey de la Rocha shared his gratitude towards Kramer for personally impacting his life before performing with his music project On Notice. Jason Heath and The Greedy Souls brought in the rock ‘n’ roll calling Kramer to join them on stage with his red, white, and blue guitar. Raul Pacheco almost stole the show away as he improvised alongside bassists Gabe Rosales for a quick set playing “Lloraona” and spontaneously creating a funky song alongside JC on stage leaving everyone starstruck.

The birthday boy jumped on stage for a quick set expressing his gratitude for everyone who attended in support of him and JGD. The MC5 co-founder rocked the stage before introducing one of the world’s greatest guitarist Tom Morello. Morello of course thanked Kramer for his advocacy for a prison reform and all the amazing things he helps provide through JGD. Morello performed an outstanding solo gracing the intimate venue with his powerful skills, moved during his performance of “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” Morello played his guitar with his mouth! Every musician made their way towards the stage as it was time to “Kick Out The Jams” as Kramer says. Morello excitedly pushed student Zach de Lucifer to play guitar head-to-head with the renowned Kramer resulting in the most astonishing performance of the night.

After serving time in prison, Kramer created the non-profit alongside his wife Margaret Kramer and friend Billy Bragg. JDG not only encourages the youth to seek a positive outlet but also gives them important tools that could help lead them to greater opportunities. For more information on JDG or C.A.P.O. visit Jailguitardoors.org. See more images of the night below: