Chet's First Pick Initiative

What if? What if one guitar pick, just one, fostered in a child a love and appreciation for music that lasts a lifetime? Limitless possibilities…

Chet’s First Pick Initiative is an idea I came up with while busking on Main Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I noticed some parents give their kids money to put in my case and I wanted to give back. I thought – what better gift to give than the gift of music? As a result, I started placing some of my extra picks in my case and asking kids, to take a guitar pick. Then suggesting they ask for a guitar as a gift and use the guitar pick as their first pick. 

Connecting to my audience, even as a street performer, is something I want/need to experience. I don’t think performing would be, for me, what it is without interaction. From a simple “thank you” after a donation to a conversation between songs. Everyone has a story. 

I’ve found Chet’s First Pick Initiative is another way for me to connect to my audience, even if, as a street/festival performer, those moments of connection are fleeting, but lasting. 

I hope to see you and your young people very soon. I would be happy to give them their first guitar pick.