D.O.A.'s Joe Keithley’s Gift Of Music Plan Has Major Backing

By External Source

Musician turned politician Joe Keithley initiated the Harmony for All musical instrument lending program in Burnaby, B.C. in 2019, but it will kick into a higher gear in April.

Keithley said almost 400 instruments were accumulated through two 2021 collection drives. The program also includes lessons, and it has received financial support from the City of Burnaby and the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society.

Keithley started playing drums at age 11 and later moved on to guitar and singing for an early punk band called The Skulls in 1977, before forming D.O.A. a year later. Keithley has remained the frontman and sole original member for the pioneering punk group ever since, while a large number of musicians has passed through to back him over the years.

“I was far from the most popular person in my high school, but when I started playing music I started making new friends,” Keithley told Samaritan about the importance of music in his adolescence.

Expressing yourself through music can bring happiness and a sense of fulfillment, but many people can’t afford to buy or rent instruments and pay for lessons. Harmony for All was created to ensure that Burnaby residents have the opportunity to explore their musical talents, which can also help them connect with others. – Continue reading this Steve McLean feature on Samaritanmag.com