Worlds Collide @ TeachRock’s Concert for Creative Classrooms

Last night I had the great pleasure of attending an amazing event hosted by TeachRock, one of my favorite music education organizations, in downtown NYC at the legendary SOBs. It was the Concert for Creative Classrooms, featuring 3 of my all-time favorite musical artists (John Medeski, Joe Russo, and Marc Ribot), in a Grateful Dead themed event (I am a lifelong Deadhead). MusicFirst was a very proud sponsor of the event which was a benefit concert with proceeds going to support their incredible mission. The opening act was a Dead cover band, Hell or High Water, which was followed by a terrific ceremony, led by Executive Director Bill Carbone and Founder Stevie Van Zandt, that honored teacher Ben Wides and supporter Deborah Solomon. After the ceremony, we were treated by an amazing set of improvisatory music by Medeski, Russo & Ribot. I had the absolute THRILL of meeting both John Medeski, and reconnecting with Joe Russo, who actually attended the middle school in Franklin Lakes that I taught music at for many years. The best part of the evening was that I shared it with my daughter Abby. I strongly encourage you to learn more about this incredible organization and consider donating LOTS of money before the end of the year (everyone loves tax deductible donations)!

Here are some photos from the event. I hope to attend more similar events in the future!