March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Artists for the Arts Raise $125,000-plus For SMMUSD Arts Programs:

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jackson Browne headlined the 10th Annual Artists for the Arts benefit concerts this past weekend at Samohi’s historic Barnum Hall, but it was the student musicians who stole the show.

Joining Browne as co-headliners were fellow rock icon Gary Wright, known for “Dreamweaver” and other classic rock hits, and local rock band Venice, a touring group with more than 20 years playing with the biggest names in music. All three headliners took turns on stage, joined throughout the night by student orchestra, choir, and soloists from Santa Monica, Malibu, and Olympic High Schools, respectively.

Over the course of two nights this year, Browne, Wright, and Venice teamed with students and faculty to deliver rousing performances that raised more than $125,000 to benefit arts programs in the 16 public schools comprising the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD). The funds raised will be added to the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation’s For The Arts endowment, supporting visual and performing arts education throughout the SMMUSD.

Emceed by longtime KLOS radio personality Cynthia Fox, the Saturday night show also featured an auction of music treasures including signed guitars, a drum set, tickets to the 2014 Grammys, and other uniqueitems, all supporting the cause.

Among the many highlights of the evening was a rousing rendition of the Beatles’ classic “With A Little Help from My Friends,” featuring all the artists on stage together, joined by student and faculty musicians and student vocalists. The crowd was on its feet throughout the song, which preceded the closing number, the classic ‘70s anthem “Take It Easy,” led by Browne.

Browne, the artist who originated this annual benefit concert with Venice a decade ago, was playing for the fifth time in the event’s 10-year history, and he and the other artists committed to a second night this year when the Saturday show sold out so quickly.

“It’s amazing because every year we do this gig we get to work with kids and do something special,” Browne stated. “We do it once…when people come to see one of these shows, they see a completely different show than what they saw last year. Arts in high school are really important. Arts make the individual complete. Arts connect us to the rest of society. They give us a chance to express ourselves and to channel our emotions…and to have a healthy emotional life you have to have an outlet for that. And arts, like sports, are really important for people who are developing.”

Since 2004, the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation has been the beneficiary of annual benefit concerts that bring featured artists onstage with student musicians for a truly magical evening of music and philanthropy.

Produced by the Artists for the Arts Foundation, these concerts have now raised nearly $900,000 for arts programs in Santa Monica and Malibu public schools in the past decade. Featuring Venice every year as the house band, past concerts have included David Crosby, Billy Idol, America, and many other music icons, all of which have donated their time and talents to perform onstage alongside musicians and singers from all three SMMUSD high schools.

“Our annual collaboration with Artists for the Arts Foundation creates truly unique opportunities for our students and faculty to work hand-in-hand with amazing professional musical talents to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences while raising funds to ensure our arts programs can continue to benefit future generations of students,” Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation executive director Linda Greenberg Gross stated. “We’re so thankful for the support of Artists for the Arts, Jackson Browne, the members of Venice, and the community members and parents who support this event every year.”

 

in News
Related Posts

Los Angeles County Braces for Heavy Rain, Snow, and Possible Thunderstorms Over Weekend

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

National Weather Service Issues Alerts for Flooding and Possible Tornado  According to the latest reports from the National Weather Service...

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...