Little Kids Rock Benefit Gala Raises $1.3 Million for Music Education, Honors Elvis Costello and More
Hosting a benefit gala for music education, national non-profit organization Little Kids Rock raised $1.3 million at their annual event. Held at the Playstation Theater last October 18, the evening paid tribute to figures such as singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, blues singer Bonnie Raitt, and City Winery CEO Michael Dorf.
Costello took home the Rocker of the Year Award presented to him by actor Mike Myers, while Raitt was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from good friend Harry Connick Jr.
Grammy nominee Bettye LaVette was also in attendance to perform “Blackbird” during the evening and to present to Dorf, who was greatly acknowledged for his wide-ranging philanthropic work. These include Dorf's successful attempts at expanding music education for struggling young individuals through “Music of” tribute concerts conducted annually.
"Honoring Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt and Michael Dorf this year is a fitting tribute to the incredible generosity and love that they have shown our kids over the years," David Wish, Founder and CEO of Little Kids Rock, said in an official statement.
"Mr. Costello's commitment to social issues is an inspiration, and no other artist friend has supported our kids and teachers for as long, or spoken so frequently and eloquently on our kids' behalves when it comes to their right to have music in their lives as Bonnie Raitt,” he added.
The Little Kids Rock bands, who came together from across the U.S. to perform at the event, took on classic tracks, such as “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Girl Of Fire.” The awardees also took to the stage as Raitt sang “Thing Called Love” and Costello performed an “Alison” medley with songs that significantly changed his life as a musician. The duo then performed “Love Has No Pride” together before the bands of Little Kids Rock joined them for a moving performance of “All You Need Is Love.”
Produced by Mark Krantz and Michael Matuza, the Annual Little Kids Rock Benefit brings together individuals committed to expanding music education to children in U.S. public schools. Over the past years, various artists have been honored through the event, including Lady Gaga, Smokey Robinson, Joan Jett, Steve Miller and Graham Nash, among others.
This year, the benefit gala was centered on the theme “Music Changed My Life.” The concept was reflected in both the honored artists and the special renditions made by public school students from Pasadena and New York City who were given free music lessons as arranged by Little Kids Rock.
Tags : Little Kids Rock Music Education Michael Dorf elvis costello bonnie raitt non-profit organizations
Hot Trends
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Tauren Wells' "Making Room"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Darlene Zschech's "Yes Again"
-
David Baloche on Growing Up with His Dad Paul Baloche, His New Album & the Power of Scripture
-
Steven Curtis Chapman Remembers Daughter Maria 15 Years After Her Tragic Death
-
Donald Lawrence's “In Him There Is No Sorrow” Feat. Yolanda Adams Reaches #1
-
Mitch Wong and His Wife Steph Are Expecting a Baby Girl
-
Darlene Zschech's Daughter Weds
-
Darlene Zschech Celebrates 12 Years as Senior Pastor of HopeUC After Leaving Hillsong Church
-
Brooke Ligertwood Reveals Her Motherly Heart with "I Belong to Jesus (Dylan's Song)"
-
Bethel Music's Brandon Lake Offers Online Songwriting Class to Help You Become a Better Songwriter
-
Brandon Heath's Father Passes Away
-
Hillsong Young and Free Releases New Video "Highs and Lows"
-
Davy Flowers Opens Up About Her New Album, Working with Shane Barnard and Bryan Fowler, and More
-
Lecrae Speaks About How His New Song Deals with Opposition
Most Popular
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Tauren Wells' "Making Room"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Darlene Zschech's "Yes Again"
-
David Baloche on Growing Up with His Dad Paul Baloche, His New Album & the Power of Scripture
-
Steven Curtis Chapman Remembers Daughter Maria 15 Years After Her Tragic Death
-
Donald Lawrence's “In Him There Is No Sorrow” Feat. Yolanda Adams Reaches #1
-
Mitch Wong and His Wife Steph Are Expecting a Baby Girl
-
Darlene Zschech's Daughter Weds
-
Darlene Zschech Celebrates 12 Years as Senior Pastor of HopeUC After Leaving Hillsong Church
-
Brooke Ligertwood Reveals Her Motherly Heart with "I Belong to Jesus (Dylan's Song)"
-
Bethel Music's Brandon Lake Offers Online Songwriting Class to Help You Become a Better Songwriter
-
Brandon Heath's Father Passes Away
-
Hillsong Young and Free Releases New Video "Highs and Lows"
-
Davy Flowers Opens Up About Her New Album, Working with Shane Barnard and Bryan Fowler, and More
-
Lecrae Speaks About How His New Song Deals with Opposition