Founded in 2012, Guitar Mash operates on a pretty simple concept– guitars are Great Connectors, with the power to draw people together and create community through music. Producer Rebecca Weller knew she wanted to create an interactive event, one that would draw people out of their screen-centered lives, so she conceived of a gathering where the lines between stage and audience would be blurred, and amateur and professional guitarists could play together. At the Mash, the audience is encouraged to bring in their own guitars or stringed instruments and play along with all-star “teachers.”

This year, John Schaefer from WNYC will be hosting the event, and guests will include Jackie Greene of the Black Crowes, Binky Griptite of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and Bill Kirchen of Commander Cody. The cherry on top is that the money raised from ticket sales will support programs that help disadvantaged teens learn to play and perform guitar. The Fourth Annual Guitar Mash Benefit will be on Sunday, November 8 at the City Winery in New York City. The doors open at 11:30 am, and tickets start at $50. If you can’t make it, the entire event will now be streamed live, so you can play along in your living room! Purchase your tickets here.