Little Kids Rock

"Right to Rock" Recap

More than $175,000 raised to restore and revitalize music programs in underfunded schools nationwide.

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Photo Credit - Chris Onjian

“Imagine all the people… sharing all the world.” John Lennon’s words rang true when an all-star cast of professional musicians shared the stage with Little Kids Rock students at the charity’s “Right to Rock” benefit to restore and revitalize music programs in public schools nationwide.

New York Yankees icon Bernie Williams, Season 8 American Idol Kris Allen and Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice shared the stage with Little Kids Rock students at the B.B. King Blues Club Thursday night in New York City and performed the Lennon classic for more than 250 guests.

Early counts show that the annual “Right to Rock” gala and celebrity-painted guitar auction raised more than $175,000, which will result in nearly 9,000 more low-income children receiving free instruments and music education.

Bernie Williams was honored as the second annual “Big Man of the Year,” an award named after and presented last year to “The Big Man” Clarence Clemons. A recorded message by the E Street Band saxophonist introduced Williams, who humbly accepted the award given each year to an individual who helps Little Kids Rock put transformational music classes and modern musical instruments into the hands of low-income school children.

“I don’t even know where I would be without music,” said Williams. “I am so saddened by the fact that schools are cutting budgets; the first thing they do is cut music and the arts. I believe that no kid, and I mean NO kid, shouldn’t have the opportunity to play an instrument and learn it. It enriches their lives.”

Performers at the “Right to Rock” Celebration ranged from 25-year-old Kris Allen, who came to fame in 2009 after winning American Idol, to legendary rock band, Vanilla Fudge, which reached the height of its fame in the late 60’s when Led Zeppelin was opening for them.

“Music’s not for every kid, but it would be nice to know that it is a possibility for some kids,” Allen said in his award acceptance speech. “I wish that I had had something like this. Who knows what these kids are going to become.”

Guests were treated to dinner and drinks, as well as an auction featuring one-of-a-kind, celebrity-painted Fender® Stratocasters® by artists like Stan Lee, Gene Simmons, Kenny Scharf, Stephen Colbert and Stanley Mouse. The live and silent auctions raised more than $85,000 for music education.

"Kind of ironic how such a small guy founded the largest free instrumental music program in the country!" joked the evening’s emcee, famous New York radio personality, “The Radio Chick” Leslie Gold, who introduced Little Kids Rock Executive Director, David Wish.

“This was a very special evening,” said Wish. “I am proud to have shared it with so many generous individuals who have contributed to help Little Kids Rock make music education and instruments accessible to the children around the country who need it the most.”

Among those people were Captain Rob Snyder and Andy Davis, founder of the Music Empowers Foundation, who were honored for their contributions to Little Kids Rock’s fight against budget cuts. World-renowned guitarist Muriel Anderson sedated the room with the delightful melodies that resonated from her harp-guitar. Vanilla Fudge turned up the tempo when they closed out the evening with a 30-minute set, performing hits like You Keep Me Hangin’ On and People Get Ready. Williams joined Vanilla Fudge on lead guitar for an encore that included Mustang Sally and In The Midnight Hour.

Media Contact:

Keith Hejna
Phone: 973.746.8248 x 114
Email: keith@littlekidsrock.org

About The “Big Man of the Year” Award
It takes a big person to stand up for the needs and rights of little kids. Clarence Clemons is such a person. Little Kids Rock created the "Big Man of the Year" Award as a symbol of Mr. Clemons’ generosity and commitment to children. Each year, Little Kids Rock honors a musical luminary who contributes time to help Little Kids Rock put transformational music classes and modern musical instruments back into public schools nationwide.

About Little Kids Rock
Little Kids Rock is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that transforms children’s lives by restoring and revitalizing music education in underfunded public schools. Little Kids Rock was founded in San Francisco in 2002 by David Wish, an elementary school teacher who had grown frustrated with the lack of music education funding at his school. Today, Little Kids Rock is one of the leading nonprofit providers of free lessons and instruments to underprivileged children in US public schools, and has served more than 100,000 students at over 1,200 schools in 24 cities nationwide. Little Kids Rock Honorary Board Members include Bonnie Raitt, Slash, Paul Simon, B.B. King, Slash, Ziggy Marley and other famous friends in the music industry. More information can be found at: www.littlekidsrock.org.