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Smash Mouth guitarist Sean Hurwitz will head to Asbury Park’s LakeHouse on July 25 and hand over two of his personal guitars to help aid young. local musicians.

The guitars will benefit New Jersey non-profit The Project Matters’ new effort “Guitar Days,” which encourages musicians to donate new or lightly used guitars so they can be passed into to the hands of young musicians under the age of 21 in the NJ area, according to a release from the nonprofit.

The nonprofit was founded in 2010 in memory of  Freehold resident Benjamin High, a talented young guitarist and songwriter who had just completed his debut album “Matters” with his band Green Arrows.

As a vow to keep Ben’s spirit and passion for creating music alive, Ben’s parents, Karen and William, founded The Project Matters. The nonprofit helps young, local musicians attain their creative goals and potential with financial, legal, emotional and artistic support in the NJ area.

“When I heard about this wonderful cause and the reasons behind it, I felt that it was the right cause for me to get involved in,” Hurwitz said in the release. “It may have started with a guitar giveaway, but I hope it becomes much more than that. I would love to give musicians what I can to help them on their way.”

Along with the donation of two personal guitars, Hurwitz signed on as an artist mentor for The Project Matters and has already contributed time and expertise with one of the organization’s supported bands.

Hurwitz will officially present the guitars, which have been played on stages all over the world, to TPM President Karen High at the LakeHouse in July.

High, a long time friend of LakeHouse owner Jon Liedersdorf, felt the Lakehouse would make a “fitting venue” for the exchange.

“[Leidersdorf] has been an early supporter of TPM and loves what we are doing for NJ  musicians,” High said. “He has been involved in the recording for two of our supported musicians and has personally advised me a number of times regarding the music industry in general.”

The LakeHouse building is home to Lakehouse Music Academy, a progressive music school, along with rehearsal space and a recording studio, Russo Music Center, Cowerks shared meeting space, and Bands on a Budget. 

Liedersdorf and High share similar goals in their intent to assist youth in obtaining careers in the music industry and mutually agree that what the other is doing is important work, High said.

“We share similar goals,” said Liedersdorf.  “She gives money to young people who are trying to take it to the next level in the music industry. “

In addition, Liedersdorf encourage other buinesses to feel comfortable when it makes sense to use the space whenever he can, he said.

“When people want to donate and do positive things to support the scene — we’re all for it,” said Liedersdorf.

Individuals who wish to donate or are interested in becoming a candidate to receive one of the organization’s guitars can make arrangements by emailing Karen@theprojectmatters.org.

To learn more about The Project Matters visit theprojectmatters.org.

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