by Ari Roth
(photo credit, Chris Kendig)
Increasingly, musical education programs in schools are being cut and diminished, particularly for those who need them most and who might not have access to private lessons outside of school. Rock to the Future is a Philadelphia organization that seeks to help underserved kids in our city who are not given this fundamentally important opportunity by providing them with absolutely free musical education. In addition to their after school programs, Rock to the Future also puts on workshops at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Saturdays for children ranging from 3 to 17, and even a day camp over the summer! As organizer and founding executive director Jessica Craft tells me, Rock to the Future “ignites passion and creativity, supports academic achievement, and improves self-esteem,” and this Sunday you will get a chance to come out and witness the culmination of the year’s work at the fourth annual Rock to the Future End of Year Showcase.
The program continues to expand each year, and now features 35 students, ranging from 9 to 19 years old. They perform a wide range of material as part of rock bands and a choral ensemble. Craft promises “rock songs ranging from Hall and Oates to Black Veil Brides” from the choral ensemble, as well as both self-written original and cover songs from the rock bands. That Music Mag will also be live Tweeting the event, so be sure to follow us at @THATMUSICMAG to read more as it happens!
The Rock to the Future End of Year Showcase will be held downstairs (for the first time!) at the World Cafe, located on 3025 Walnut St. The show will take place on Sunday, June 22nd, and it will run from 12 PM to 3 PM, with doors opening beforehand at 11:30 PM. Tickets are still on sale now for only $5, and you can purchase them here. For more information, visit the Rock to the Future website here to learn more about this wonderful program. Rock on, Philly!
