Austin based non-profit, Grounded In Music is having its launch party tonight at the Gibson Show Room in Austin with all proceeds going toward their on-going effort to buy music instruments and provide free music lessons for underprivileged children at the Boys and Girls Club. Local favorites Vallejo will be providing music, and the event will also have a silent auction.

It's no surprise that music classes, instruments and continued education in music are often the first things to go when schools are forced to cut back programming, but as we all know, children who study music and have an opportunity to succeed at it do better in all areas of life. Not only does a regular curriculum of music keep children busy with positive things that foster self-confidence and pride in hard work, studies show that kids who practice music have an easier time with math and reading. It's incredibly important to support our community of music-loving children (and their families) who can not afford instruments and lessons. Instead of buying that top shelf beer for the guy who is never going to respect you in the morning, earn the respect of a child that desperately wants to play trumpet --visit Grounded in Music's site for more information on pledging this evening. Need additional motivation? Listen to KUT's special on the program and hear from the kids involved how meaningful these programs are to them each day.