Before Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band finish the second U.S. leg of their world tour, many of its members will attend Little Kids Rock’s 10th anniversary Right to Rock Celebration sponsored by the House of Marley and 1Love. On October 16 in New York City, Steven Van Zandt will be presented with the "Big Man of The Year Award," given annually to honor the legacy of the late, great Clarence Clemons. Van Zandt joins past honorees Lady Gaga and The Big Man himself. The event is being co-chaired by actress Maureen Van Zandt and E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg.
The gala will resemble an all-star rock and roll festival with Van Zandt performing alongside many of his musical friends, including Elvis Costello, Dion DiMucci, Tom Morello, Darlene Love, Southside Johnny, Kris Allen, Rubén Blades, Gary U.S. Bonds, Michael Des Barres, Michael Johns, Jesse Malin, Jake Clemons, NYC Hit Squad and more surprise guests expected to attend. Little Kids Rock students will join these rock legends on stage to perform along side and celebrate the joy of music. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 16 at Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom and will run from 6:30pm until the music stops. Remaining seats may be reserved HERE.
A key part of the evening will be the live and silent auctions (opening online October 2 and concluding live at the October 16 event) featuring hard-to-find musical treasures. The funds raised by this once-in-a-lifetime musical extravaganza and unique auction will help Little Kids Rock bring the gift of music education to disadvantaged youths across the United States. They will be able to bring free lessons and instruments to over 100,000 disadvantaged public school students in 12 states.
“Putting instruments in [children’s] hands is empowering,” Van Zandt said after personally delivering guitars to Little Kids Rock students in the Bronx last year. “We’re the only country in the world that thinks that art is a luxury. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity of life.”
“It is a privilege to honor Steven Van Zandt,” said David Wish, Little Kids Rock’s Founder and Executive Director. “To do so with the company of the E Street Band friends and family is just thrilling.” Wish added, “Steven Van Zandt is a great artist, philanthropist and humanitarian who has provided tremendous support for Little Kids Rock students and for many people around the world. No wonder so many other artists are coming out and paying tribute to him.”
