We try to encourage recycling, reuse and giving back to the community by playing classic hits from the ’60s and ’70s on homemade musical instruments from garbage and recycled materials. Three years ago, I decided to try to make a one-string electric guitar out of discarded materials. I pulled a Lucky Charms cereal box out of the recycle bin, retrieved a warped yardstick from the garbage and I used toothpicks as frets! Now, our band, The Garbage-Men, has more guitars made from cereal boxes, saxophones from repurposed toys, drums from garbage cans, keyboards from bottles, and more.
We’ve performed at community fundraisers, charity events and by “busking” on the street. We’ve played with the Blue Man Group on America’s Got Talent, and have even won an Emmy for a TV story about us! It’s all about the music, but also about helping others, raising awareness about not throwing everything away, and staying out of trouble by doing something positive. We’ve even been able to raise more than $3,000 for Heifer International through the sale of our CD! You can find us online at The Garbage-Men band.
Jack Berry
Sarasota, Florida