The D’Addario Foundation, longtime champion for accessible music instruction programs in schools, organized Back 2 School Class of 2019 Benefit, which took place last night at Los Angeles’s historic Palace Theatre. As a 501c3 non-profit, the money raised by The D’Addario Foundation at this benefit will provide kids with access to amazing music programs, additional college assistance scholarships, and encourage more females to pick up guitars through D’Addario’s ‘Girls In Music’ Initiative.
Back 2 School at Palace Theater. Photography by Elli Lauren, courtesy of The D’Addario Foundation.
The D’Addario Foundation is the philanthropic arm of guitar strings and accessories manufacturer D’Addario. In partnership with BGS and Kensington Presents, Back 2 School benefit was led by house band The Watkins Family Hour, featuring Sara and Sean Watkins and Mike Viola. Other artists included in the event: LP; My Morning Jacket frontman, Jim James; musician and actress Mandy Moore; actor John C Reilly; musicians Langhorne Slim; Garfunkel & Oates; Blake Mills; and one half of The Bird And The Bee, Inara George.
During the event, LP accompanied by the The Watkins Family Hour band performed incredible cover of Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out”. Her talent shines so much in each and every performance, but when it comes to rock songs, there’s always that something extra, than only LP can deliver. LP was also back on the stage for the final song that featured all acts that took part in the benefit. Courtesy of LP-Fan, @americalesya, I am sharing a live feed of LP’s performance including the grand finale with cover of “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac.
There were few more LP fans in the audience, they all had an amazing time, and some of them even were lucky enough to meet up with LP afterwards. @mylpobsession: “It was a last minute decision to come to LA and see LP but so worth it. LP donated her time and talent to the D’Addario Foundation’s Back 2 School Fundraiser, singing just one song, Alice Cooper’s School’s Out. Diehard LP Fans were there, some local, some from the Bay Area, some from San Diego, and @sonia52_e coming all the way from Italy just to see LP.”
Photography by Elli Lauren, courtesy of The D’Addario Foundation.
“These were just the ones I met up with, I’m sure there were more there and I wish I could have met them all. I feel this show completes the year for me. Thank you so much LP for the generosity of your time and your unending graciousness towards your fans. You’re the best.” Tish Martinez (@ouitrvl_), kindly wrote few words for the blog as well: “Donna @mylpobsession from Northern CA, drove down & met me in Sherman Oaks. We were 1st in line & then joined by Alesya @americalesya & Sonia @sonia52_e Doors opened up just after 7pm.”
Photo by Harrison Pearl | Black Pearl Photography, courtesy of The D’Addario Foundation.
“We toasted to LP and sat as close to the stage as possible. 1st & 2nd row respectively. With a dead phone battery. I love music and kids, thank you Suzanne D’Addario Brouder – Director of D’Addario Foundation! The House band was tight. Was Impressed by Langhorne Slim, John C Reilly is very talented. Garfunkel & Oates are very funny. Mandy Moore is a bit reserved. Loved LP (without a phone, all I could do was DANCE). We found our way backstage. and I knocked on LP’s door, which she opened after a few minutes.”
Photography by Elli Lauren, courtesy of The D’Addario Foundation.
“I asked her if she would come out to say hello, and that I had some friends who wanted to meet her. She didn’t hesitate and proceeded to engage with all of us; taking pics & videos, shared hugs & laughs. Til’ next time, LP .” Thank you Tish!! Tickets ranged from $250 to $50, and all 100% of proceeds from the event will benefit the 501c3 non-profit D’Addario Foundation, which supports music programs in schools across the country.
D’Addario Foundation Executive Director, Suzanne D’Addario Brouder:
Bringing music instruction back into schools and communities is a simple but deeply powerful way to improve our education system and boost creativity and academic achievement in students. The D’Addario Foundation is a leader in finding and partnering with the highest quality music programs in the neediest areas.
Through the foundation’s action, real-life metrics show incredibly positive results. In neighborhoods where the high school dropout rate hovers at 50%, over 95% of participating students are graduating on time and applying to college. Many are the first generation in their family to attend college.
The bottom line is kids need lots more music as part of their education and your support makes that possible. We believe in the power of music to unlock creativity, boost self-confidence, and enhance academics. By making music education accessible, we can positively affect social change and foster better citizens of the world.
About the D’Addario Foundation:
The overarching goal at the 501c3 non-profit D’Addario Foundation is to improve lives. Each year financial and product support (in the form of instrument equipment) is provided to over 200 grassroots non-profit programs spread out over 40 states in over 141 cities bringing music-making back to a child’s education.
These dynamic, free programs are available as frequently as possible for as long as possible in a child’s education so participants may reap all the benefits that studying music can offer. Because studies and data has shown conclusively that immersive music education programs could be the single, most effective way to engage students, build self-confidence and create community.
Photography by Elli Lauren, courtesy of The D’Addario Foundation.
So, in addition to catching once-in-a-lifetime performances and collaborations amongst world-class musicians, Back 2 School attendees will be contributing directly to The D’Addario Foundation’s mission to put music education back in the forefront and into the lives of those who otherwise might not have these opportunities.
Anna from Poland. I have been a blogger for a long time, but more in a royal field. Since 'meeting' LP through her music and as a person, a lot has changed. If I'm not working on my blog, I work as a teacher. I love to travel, read & dance. I sing & play uke when no one listens. Music was always a big part of my life.