ST. MATTHEW’S MUSIC GUILD
Community CONCERTS

The Music Guild presented thirty-seven concerts during our 2024-2025 season and we plan to do even more in our 41st Season. What a great way to celebrate 41 years! Performance venues include several centers operated by LA Family Housing throughout the San Fernando Valley, the Neighborhood Youth Association in Venice, Bread and Roses Café in Venice and the Union Rescue Mission’s Hope Gardens (Sylmar) and downtown sites. We have particularly been touched by the reception we have received at The Arroyo, a shelter and center for women only (where we sponsor performances by women-only ensembles) and during our performances at Union Rescue Mission’s annual Thanksgiving Meal on Skid Row, where more than 400 clients enjoyed music provided by the Music Guild at three seatings.  

We present keyboardists, guitarists and singers, woodwind, string, and brass ensembles, mariachi bands, jazz ensembles,
R & B performers and a diverse group of performers featuring folk and pop music from a variety of cultures.

Members of The Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s participate in many of the Music Guild’s Community Concerts. Other featured performers include the Mariachi Divas, Adelaide Pilar, Angelo Salazar, Lorenzo Sanchez, Stephanie Amaro, Jocelyn Scofield, Spencer Artwick and jazz artists Kirsten Edkins, Lolly Allen and Kait Dutton.

Recently, following a performance at LAFH’s Arroyo, professional saxophonist Kirsten Edkins wrote, “I have had many high-profile gigs (from Lady Gaga… to Tom Hanks, Cher, Sophia Loren, and many other stars). The concerts at the Arroyo have meant leaps and bounds more to me than the others. To be able to play for women who have been through hell, are hurting, and on their way to a new start means the world to me. Thank you for the opportunity!”