Pictured above: The Creekers band with Can’d Aid members at the Fishing with a Musician event at Lake Cumberland, Ky.
Featuring “My Grass Is Blue” and “Support Local Artists & Live Music” designs, 100 percent of proceeds will support Can’d Aid’s Instruments for Change program
Two organizations with deep ties to Appalachia’s music and outdoor culture are teaming up to help put more instruments into the hands of young musicians. Can’d Aid and eastern Kentucky-based apparel brand New Frontier launched the Can’d Aid x New Frontier collection on Sept. 24, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting Can’d Aid’s Instruments for Change program.
Designed in eastern Kentucky, the collection includes two original T-shirt designs and two hats offered in multiple colors, including New Frontier’s signature camouflage. “My Grass Is Blue” gives a playful nod to Kentucky’s bluegrass roots, while “Support Local Artists & Live Music” celebrates the musicians, venues and communities that keep live music thriving.
“New Frontier is deeply rooted in Appalachian culture and has built a brand people are proud to wear, and now that pride can also make a difference. Every shirt or hat sold helps us put instruments and resources into the hands of young people who deserve the opportunity to experience the power of making music,” says Diana Hicks, founder and executive director of Can’d Aid.
Founded in Morehead, Ky., by brothers Joshua and Jared Ravenscraft, New Frontier creates purpose-driven apparel inspired by the culture, landscapes and people of Appalachia. Giving back has long been part of the brand’s identity, including its Appalachia Strong and Kentucky Strong giveback collections helping their neighbors in need.
Can’d Aid has also built deep connections throughout Appalachia through Instruments for Change and its network of Tunes Ambassadors. The nonprofit works alongside nationally recognized musicians, donors and community partners to expand access to music education in under-resourced schools and youth programs through new instrument donations, Music Teacher Grants and hands-on music experiences.
Recent efforts have brought music resources to communities throughout Kentucky and Appalachia, including work alongside Tyler Childers and the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund to support Title I schools across the region.
“Music is such a big part of what makes Appalachia special, so this collaboration hits close to home for us,” says Joshua Ravenscraft, co-founder and CEO of New Frontier. “We wanted to create something people would genuinely want to wear while helping more kids experience music for themselves, something rooted in where we’re from that can make a difference well beyond Kentucky.”
Through Instruments for Change, Can’d Aid works to expand access to music as a source of creativity, confidence and connection for young people. The program provides new instruments and flexible Music Teacher Grants to under-resourced music programs across the country.
The Can’d Aid x New Frontier collection launches Sept. 24 and will be available at newfrontierbrand.com/collections/cand-aid and New Frontier’s shop in Morehead. Wholesale locations will be added throughout the year. The ongoing collaboration will continue to support Can’d Aid’s work to provide young people with instruments, resources and opportunities to discover the power of music.
