Arts & Entertainment

'Springsteen & I' Screening Benefits Little Kids Rock

All proceeds from ticket purchases benefit non-profit.

A Jersey-born rocker whose music has touched millions is the subject of a documentary that will be shown in Cranford Tuesday to benefit a non-profit dedicated to providing music education to school children in disadvantaged public schools.

'Springsteen & I' illustrates the power of music and how it shapes the lives of listeners, which dovetails nicely with the mission of Little Kids Rock

Started in 2002 by David Wish, a school teacher who believed that every child deserves music education, Little Kids Rock provides weekly music classes to K-12 students in public schools that have been stripped of their music programs.

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The non-profit, which has garnered support from music legends like BB King and John Lee Hooker as well as 'the Boss,' who performed at the 10th anniversary benefit last year, employs innovative teaching methods that appeal to children’s appreciation of popular music forms such as rock, rap, blues, and hip-hop.

Westfield resident Mitch Slater, who sits on the New York Advisory Board of the national charity, was instrumental in organizing Tuesday's event. The long-time Bruce fan said the documentary is a perfect way to raise funds and awareness for the charity, which was a favorite of late Springsteen saxophonist Clarence Clemons.

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"I think Bruce said it best, 'The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.' This charity gives kids a chance to face every day with music," said Slater.

Tickets for the screening are $25 each, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the charity. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show. To purchase tickets, click here.

"Twenty-five dollars is equal to one year of free instrumental music lessons for a kid," Slater said. "Little Kids Rock serves over 110,000 kids nationwide. In New Jersey, there are programs in Paterson, Newark and Jersey City. It's a really great organization. Everyone I've met has been just amazing. Artists from all over the world want to be a part of this." 

Slater said he looks forward to the announcement of this year's Right to Rock Benefit line-up, which has previously included Grammy-winners Elvis Costello and Lady Gaga. He also  expressed his gratitude to Digiplex, which owns the Cranford cinema as well as Westfield's Rialto, for its help and support in bringing Tuesday's event to fruition. 

To purchase tickets for 'Springsteen & I', click here. To view a clip from last year's benefit concert, click here. To learn more about Little Kids Rock, click here.  


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