As a kid, you dreamed of performing in legendary Sunset Strip music venues. Maybe you practiced in your garage or were the top air guitarist in your grade school. You knew you had the skills. You just needed a venue to show them off. Now, a select number of elementary and middle school bands will have the opportunity to live your childhood dream as part of the RockSTAR Music Education Winterfest taking place on The Sunset Strip this Saturday, Feb. 4.
Throughout the day, more than 120 bands from kids in grades kindergarten to sixth will take the stage at The Roxy Theatre, Whisky A Go-Go and Key Club and perform before a crowd of screaming fans. The event will also feature an appearance by Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker as well as a charity auction featuring rock and roll memorabilia from artists Dave Navarro, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, The Black Keys, Willow Smith and Jane’s Addiction, with proceeds benefiting RockSTAR.
RockSTAR Music Education is a non-profit after-school music education program with the mission of helping students develop their guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocal skills. Students form their own bands and in the process develop musical and teamwork skills during the program, which culminates with live performances in celebrated rock venues.
With music and art education programs taking hits from increasing budget cuts for public schools, programs like RockSTAR are increasingly important. RockSTAR has received support from musicians Carlos Santana, Gene Simmons, The Black Keys, Sarah McLachlan, Sammy Hagar and Run-DMC. The City of West Hollywood, Key Club, The Roxy Theatre, Whisky A Go-Go and House of Blues are among the proud supporters of the RockSTAR Winterfest.
So get out and support the next generation of rockers. Then you can say, “I knew them when…”
For tickets or more information, please visit www.rockstarmusiceducation.org.
Photos: Bands perform during the 2011 RockSTAR Winterfest. Photos courtesy of RockSTAR Music Education.
Comments