All proceeds from the show will be used to buy instruments for a local classroom!

Read what some of the talented musicians participating in this performance have to say about music in education: 

My music teacher in high school was a mentor to me, and the music room a refuge from all other stresses and turbulences of adolescence. I feel that it's not only important, but a necessity of highest priority, that children have a safe and constructive space inside school to experiment, not just with music, but with any art. I know that without that I wouldn't be where I am today thus I, and everyone in our band, want to help ensure other children have that same opportunity. 

-Carlos Salguero of Big Ups

When I was a child, creating art was a form of positive expression.  Instead of getting myself into trouble or running away from school... I picked up a pencil, paintbrush or pen.  This kind of access to creating art is INVALUABLE to children.  It teaches them to Express>Create>Expand.  It can be therapeutic, and can also plant the seeds of collaboration.  I was very lucky that my elementary and secondary schools had wonderful art programs and supportive teachers (which should be the case with every school on the planet).  I just can't imagine my childhood without art... it would've been a river without water.

 - Alyse Lamb of EULA

I grew up going to public schools in White Plains, NY, and I started on violin when I was 8 years old. My high school orchestra conductor was one of the most supportive and encouraging people I've ever met. Music is the most important thing in my life, and he helped me believe in my worth as a musician and in the pursuit of composition and playing in general. I can't imagine what my life would be like if there hadn't been music teachers at school or instruments available for us to play.

- Katie Lau of Painted Zeros

Charly Bliss is sort of a family affair in that Sam and I are brother and sister, but we also have an older brother Andrew, who is a 7th grade English teacher at Mott Hall 3 in the South Bronx. In his time as a teacher, Andrew has gone above and beyond for his students, and started an after school music program called "rock stars." I've been lucky enough to see the rock stars cover Modest Mouse, Cold War Kids, The Strokes and Michael Jackson, and every year I find myself in the audience (auditorium) crying like a baby over how proud I am of my brother for devoting his extra time to teaching young people about music. Without him, they may not have ever had the opportunity. I am so proud of and inspired by Andrew and the ways in which he's given back to our community, and I'm happy we have the opportunity to do so as well in our own small way.

- Eva Grace Hendricks of Charly Bliss