Iconic Guitars and One-of-a-Kind Experiences Up for Auction to Support Seattle Musicians

Sonic Guild Seattle’s Annual Music Memorabilia Auction
Supporting the 2026 Grant Fund for Emerging Artists

Sonic Guild Seattle is proud to announce its 2026 Annual Online Auction, benefiting the organization’s grant pool for emerging musicians across the Seattle metropolitan area.

This year’s auction features an extraordinary lineup of exclusive items and experiences donated by world-renowned artists and cultural icons. Proceeds directly fund grants that help local musicians record, tour, and grow sustainable careers.

Unlike typical memorabilia auctions, many of these items were created exclusively for Sonic Guild. These are not quick signatures backstage. They are intentional, thoughtful contributions from artists who understand how pivotal early support can be.

“What makes this auction special isn’t just the star power, it’s the intent behind it,” said Ben London, Executive Director of Sonic Guild Seattle. “So many of these artists remember how fragile those early years can be, and how even modest support or encouragement can change the trajectory of a career. This is their way of paying that forward.”

Featured Artists & Contributors

The 2026 auction includes contributions from:

• Dave Matthews

• Brandi Carlile

• Pearl Jam

• Heart

• Phish

• The National

• Soundgarden

• Guns N’ Roses

• Minus the Bear

• Built to Spill

• And many more

Also featured are works from legendary music photographers Charles Peterson, Lance Mercer, and Kevin Estrada, original artwork by painter Steve Keene, and a rare poster collection from longtime Sub Pop art director Jeff Kleinsmith’s private archive.

“Sonic Guild is a great organization that helps support local music scenes, and you can help support them,” said Matthew Caws of Nada Surf. “So get bidding and support Sonic Guild!”

2026 Auction Highlights

Exclusive Experiences

• The Lion King on Broadway backstage experience

• Jeopardy! live taping attendance and meet-and-greet with Ken Jennings

• Sleight of Hand curated Walla Walla wine trip

Signed Instruments

• Kim Thayil of Soundgarden signed Guild Polara guitar, photo and poster

• Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses signed Fender Jazz Bass Special

• Dave Matthews signed and decorated Taylor GS Mini

• Nancy Wilson of Heart signed guitar

• Doug Martsch of Built to Spill signed Fender Red Player II Stratocaster

• Minus the Bear signed Ibanez Talman TM302

• Art Alexakis of Everclear signed Gretsch Silver Electromatic guitar

Handwritten Lyrics & Signed Albums

• Matt Berninger of The National handwritten lyrics

• Matthew Caws of Nada Surf handwritten lyrics

• Jessica Dobson of Deep Sea Diver handwritten lyrics

• Dean Johnson handwritten “Faraway Skies” lyrics and signed LP

• Brandi Carlile signed album and limited edition poster

• Signed Garbage debut album and backstage pass

• Amyl and the Sniffers signed Cartoon Darkness LP

Rare Prints & Artwork

• Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit” limited edition photo print by Kevin Estrada

• Charles Peterson signed Soundgarden photo print

• Phish signed Seattle April 18 and 19, 2025 poster

• Pearl Jam signed 2024 Chicago poster

• Jeff Kleinsmith silk-screen poster collection spanning Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Beach House, Iron & Wine, Built to Spill, The Shins, Sunny Day Real Estate, Modest Mouse, Afghan Whigs, Seattle Seahawks and more

• Steve Keene painting series featuring Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Mudhoney

Auction Details

Auction Dates: February 19 – March 6, 2026
Platform: Charitybuzz
Proceeds Benefit: Sonic Guild Seattle’s 2026 Grant Fund

Celebrating the Future of Seattle Music

The auction aligns with the 2026 Sonic Guild Grant Celebration taking place Saturday, February 21 at The Triple Door in Seattle. The event combines grant awards and live performances from current and past Sonic Guild artists.

Sonic Guild has also expanded its support for musicians through two additional programs:

• Tour Support Grant – Assisting artists with the rising costs of touring

• George Reiff Producers Grant – Connecting professional producers with emerging talent

Together, these initiatives strengthen Sonic Guild’s mission to empower artists and amplify their work beyond the stage.

About Sonic Guild Seattle

Founded in 2020, Sonic Guild Seattle has distributed more than $650,000 to local musicians through grants and performance fees. The organization operates on a community-engagement membership model, giving music lovers exclusive access to intimate performances and a voice in annual grant allocations.

In 2023, Sonic Guild introduced public nominations into its awards process, generating more than 1,000 submissions identifying over 300 local artists across Western Washington.

“It’s no secret that I love our city and its music community,” said Mike McCready of Pearl Jam. “Sonic Guild provides valuable support to Seattle’s musicians as they work to take their music to the next level. If you love music like I do, consider joining Sonic Guild and support the future of Seattle music.”

The 2025 auction raised more than $100,000 in support of the grant fund. Across its chapters in Austin and Seattle, and programs in Colorado, Sonic Guild has contributed more than $6 million to musicians since 2013.