Austin nonprofit Beat 4 Beat has been around for as long as some of its students have been alive. It's celebrating its 10th anniversary Saturday, August 16, at Meanwhile Brewing with performances by Nakia and other local musicians.

Beat 4 Beat was founded in 2014 to offer music classes to schools and recreation centers. The goal is to empower underserved youth and create community through shared learning that is led by their actual interests. The well-rounded classes are run by professional musicians, who teach musical skills as well as more abstract skills like self-expression, resilience, and joy, according to a press release.

The family-friendly celebration at Meanwhile will be free to attend, but Beat 4 Beat suggests a donation of $20 to support its mission. Performances by singer-songwriter Nakia, indie folk-pop group Deer Fellow, and DJ Jenson will draw crowds, and a silent auction including a full drum kit and a Martin acoustic guitar will raise more funds for the organization.

“For the past decade, we’ve witnessed music open doors for so many young people,” said Beat 4 Beat founder and executive director Mark Turk in a press release. “It’s been an honor to walk alongside students as they’ve discovered their voices and built lifelong confidence through music.”

It is fitting that the nonprofit chose a community hub like Meanwhile for a public party. Although music has tons of benefits in the player's mind, a big part of what Beat 4 Beat offers is asocial connection with other people — whether that's within the program, or later in their music career. Some students have simply benefited from being part of a group, but the organization also hopes they'll maintain a lifelong connection with music.

“Some of these kids come in struggling with things most adults would find overwhelming — anxiety, trauma, even thoughts of suicide,” said Turk. “But when they find music, they find each other. Friendships form, confidence grows, and for many, this becomes the thing that keeps them moving forward. For a lot of our students, having a place like this has literally changed the course of their lives.”

Beat 4 Beat sends this event poster for easy sharing.Event graphic courtesy of Beat 4 Beat

Beat 4 Beat's 10 Year Anniversary Party takes place from 6-9 pm. Meanwhile Brewing is located at 3901 Promontory Point Dr.