DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Oak Cliff musician Barry Kooda has called for an open carry “guitar rally” on July Fourth at Continental Bridge Park. It’s his response to recent open carry gun protestors making headlines.

“I’m not anti-gun at all. I’m a fifth generation Texas veteran. I have guns… leave them at home. You have rights, you just don’t have to express them all the time in people’s faces,” said Kooda.

Kooda posted a message on Facebook that called for a rally where people brought guitars instead of guns. It’s his way of bringing music with a message, and it’s all in good fun.

“This is my sense of humor. I have a larger following than I’d like because I’m just the local yokel,” said Kooda, who has played for years.

His fans, friends and followers took his social media shout out seriously, and his idea went viral. People have offered to provide t-shirts, create slogans and make signs.

“It’s a buzz topic at the moment, and a lot of people feel the same way,” said Kooda.

More than 800 people have RSVP’d for his event. Kooda said people in California, Oregon and Virginia plan to hold similar parties.

“They can bear their guitars and I’ll bear my guns. It’s all good,” said Kory Watkins with Open Carry Tarrant County. He heard about the rally, too. And despite his difference of opinion, he supports it.

“It’s freedom of speech. Doing what’s within their rights and I support that,” said Watkins.

“You should be able to carry your guitar in public without the fear of retribution. That’s what we’re here for. America. And Les Paul, made in America,” said Kooda.

As with any pubic event, there’s a possibility of people showing up in opposition, but the idea is to keep the rally family-friendly.

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