We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen (kat) Witten and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen (Kat), can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When my husband passed away in 2021, I had an overwhelming desire to honor his memory in a way that reflected his values. He was an avid guitar player who found solace in music, especially during challenging times. He always said that music had a unique way of healing the soul, a belief he carried with him throughout his military service. In those dark days and months after losing him, I kept thinking about the importance of that healing power—not just for me, but for the many men and women who serve, their families, and especially their children. That was when the idea for the foundation took root.
As the spouse of a military veteran, I was well aware of the therapeutic benefits of music as a holistic approach for managing PTS symptoms, as well as fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Music has an incredible ability to help people process emotions, to express what words cannot. By providing opportunities for music education, I knew we could create a positive lasting impact for military families, much like the joy and peace music brought to my husband.
My son Gunner is also an ardent guitarist, inspired by his Dad. Together, we envisioned a program that would offer free music lessons to active military members, veterans, and their children—a space for healing, expression, and connection. I believe in making the arts accessible to all, and I didn’t want financial barriers to prevent anyone from experiencing the transformative power of music. Starting the foundation felt like the most meaningful way to honor my husband’s legacy, while also giving back to the community that had given us so much.
So, in 2022 I gathered a couple of my most-trusted friends and we created Music 4 Life, Blues 4 the Soul. We are based in San Antonio, Texas (Military City USA) and currently also support on-going programs in California and Oregon. By partnering with music education non-profits and veteran organizations we have been able to extend their reach into vulnerable communities. Music 4 Life Blues 4 the Soul offers one-year scholarships for guitar lessons, a new guitar, and all associated fees. Through this foundation we honor the life of combat veteran 1SG Will Witten. His enduring love of music and the desire to support military members, veterans and their families stand at the foundation of our commitment. At Music 4 Life, Blues 4 the Soul, we celebrate the significance of music and embrace its’ extraordinary ability to inspire, heal, and unite us all.

What should our readers know about your business?
Music 4 Life, Blues 4 the Soul regularly supports non-profit organizations nationally with financial resources, scholarships, and fund-raising events. Primarily we lean toward non-profits that promote music education and therapeutic options for active military, veterans, and their families. We may also support other non-profit organizations as appropriate. We believe in the significance of music and its’ extraordinary ability to inspire, heal, and unite us all.
I am a multi-faceted professional with a deep-seated passion for music, painting, philanthropy, and classic cars. As a third generation Registered Nurse my journey has been marked by a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. I married a soldier and we moved often. With each move I witnessed first-hand the vulnerabilities and needs of soldiers and their families. Over the years I did fund-raising and volunteered for many non-profit organizations in support of our soldiers and their families.
When I started Music 4 Life, Blues 4 the Soul, I realized a foundation such as this required more than my own philanthropic contributions to maximize its impact on our communities. Last year I became involved with a band called CC Blues Factory. Now, we regularly play at community events and it gives us an opportunity to share the message of Music 4 Life Blues 4 the Soul. Donations from these events help raise funds for our scholarships while sparking excitement for a wonderful cause; empowering our heroes and community through music.
Music 4 Life Blues 4 the Soul offers scholarships that include the Will Witten Memorial Scholarship (honoring the life of my late husband, combat veteran 1SG Will Witten) and the Music 4 Life Blues 4 the Soul Scholarship which include a year of guitar lessons, a brand new guitar and all associated fees.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have a wonderfully diverse group of friends, each with their own tastes—some love the beach, others are all about shopping, and a few can’t get enough of live music. Luckily, San Diego and Carlsbad offer something for everyone. A weeklong trip would include some must-see spots like Legoland for a fun-filled day, strolling through the charming boutiques of Carlsbad Village, soaking up the sun at Carlsbad State Beach, and checking out local venues with live music. For dining, a few favorites are Chandler’s Restaurant for its ocean views, Fish 101 for fresh seafood, Dino Taverna for authentic Mediterranean flavors, and Mas Fina Cantina for a laid-back, vibrant vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all my family and friends who have supported and encouraged me in the journey of starting Music 4 Life Blues 4 the Soul. Your unwavering belief in this vision, your kind words, your generosity, and your endless love have been the driving force behind it all.
Together, we are keeping the power of music alive, creating opportunities for others to feel its magic and its healing powers.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey!

Website: https://Musicblues4life.com

Instagram: musiclifebluessoul

Facebook: Music 4 Life Blues 4 the Soul

Image Credits
Photo of big check presentation with the CC Blues Factory banner in the background was taken by Luis Barlow with Apt 4 Music
Other than the photos of me, the rest were taken by a member of my team, Lina Cardenas (Media Marketing Manager and web designer)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.