Cheap Trick, Kathleen Hanna with Ad-Rock, Mike Ness, All Added To Little Kids Rock Charity Benefit Honoring Joan Jett on October 23

Cheap Trick, Kathleen Hanna with Ad-Rock, Mike Ness, All Added To Little Kids Rock Charity Benefit Honoring Joan Jett on October 23

Star-studded benefit event hosted by the Hammerstein Ballroom at The Manhattan Center will help low-income public school districts expand their music programs for children

NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheap Trick, Social Distortion's Mike Ness, and Bikini Kill's Kathleen Hanna with Beastie Boys' Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, have been added to an all-star roster paying tribute to Joan Jett at nonprofit organization, Little Kids Rock's sixth annual Little Kids Rock Benefit, produced by Steven and Maureen Van Zandt at New York's iconic Hammerstein Ballroom at The Manhattan Center. The organization's mission is to ensure the continuation and revitalization of music education in economically challenged public schools across the country through teacher trainings, instrument donations, and offering curricula rooted in popular music.

The benefit will honor legendary musician and leader of the hard-rocking Blackhearts, Joan Jett as the "Rocker of the Year." Performers paying homage to Jett's music will include, Alice Cooper, Billie Joe Armstrong, Cheap Trick, Tommy James, Kathleen Hanna with Ad-Rock, Darlene Love, Glen Hansard, Mike Ness, Jesse Malin, Brody Dalle and Jake Clemons, who will be honored as the "Big Man of the Year."

Each year, the "Big Man of the Year" award honors an artist or philanthropist whose contributions have helped build a world where kids can live rich, purposeful lives. The award's title pays tribute to the initial honoree, the late Clarence Clemons, who embodied the spirit of giving back to children and to making the world a better place. Television producer and co-author of Big Man, Don Reo, will present the award to Clarence's nephew, Jake Clemons. Guitar Center CEO, Mike Pratt, will also be honored for his support of the charity.

The annual event, this year presented by Guitar Center, will take place on Thursday, October 23 at 6:30 pm at the Hammerstein Ballroom at The Manhattan Center (311 W. 34(th) St.), a longstanding supporter of Little Kids Rock and a 2014 event sponsor.

Following in his uncle's footsteps, Jake has been a supporter of Little Kids Rock since 2009 and sits on the organization's honorary board. During this time, Clemons has visited participating classrooms, contributed on Glen Hansard's "Drive All Night" EP, which raised funds for Little Kids Rock, performed at several benefits and raised proceeds for the nonprofit during his 2013 show at the Stone Pony. He also recently released his solo debut EP, Embracing Light.

Another focal point of the evening will be a live and silent auction, in which select items are already live for bidding at www.charitybuzz.com/littlekidsrock including the chance to play live on-stage with Joan Jett and all of the other artists at the event. Other items that will be available for bidding include dinner with Maureen and Steven Van Zandt, limited edition Citizen Watches, and the ultimate Atlantic Records experience, which includes the opportunity to perform a four song showcase in front of the Chairman/CEO of Atlantic Records. All proceeds will enable Little Kids Rock to bring free lessons and instruments to over 135,000 disadvantaged public school students in 28 cities.

Limited tables are available at various sponsorship levels, and limited show-only balcony tickets are now available for purchase at $250 for a single seat. Annually, this event raises enough funds to bring music education and instruments into the lives of tens of thousands of additional public school children who otherwise would not have access due to school budget cuts.

RESERVE YOUR SEATS: www.littlekidsrock.org/2014benefit/reservations/or call 973-746-8248.

About Little Kids Rock
Little Kids Rock is a national nonprofit that seeks to build a world where kids can live rich, purposeful lives, and won't rest until all children have the opportunity to unlock their inner-music makers. The organization partners with economically disadvantaged public school districts to train their teachers to run innovative Modern Band music programs. This includes donating all of the instruments, curricula and resources necessary to run rockin' music programs rooted in popular music, with a heavy emphasis on improvisation, composition and approximation. To date they have served more than 300,000 students in 28 cities. More info at http://www.littlekidsrock.org

About Joan Jett
Joan Jett is an originator, an innovator, and a visionary. As the leader of the hard-rocking Blackhearts, she's had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics "Bad Reputation," "I Love Rock 'N' Roll," "I Hate Myself For Loving You," and "Crimson and Clover." She sits at the head of her own independent label, Blackheart Records. Jett has acted in movies and television, including 1987's Light Of Day, and in a Tony-nominated Broadway musical, The Rocky Horror Show. She has appeared on such acclaimed television shows as Oprah (the last season) and Law and Order. As a producer, she has overseen albums by Bikini Kill, Circus Lupus, as well as the Germs' LA punk masterpiece, GI.

Since co-founding the Runaways, the pioneering all-girl punk quintet, at age 15, Jett's determination and drive have kept her in the public eye. Jett and the Blackhearts continuously tour across the globe to throngs of adoring fans. Joan Jett has spent her lifetime breaking barriers and challenging expectations - this is, after all, a woman who is both a spokesperson for PETA and a devoted supporter of the US Military. She's fought hard for all of her historic accomplishments, yet she remains humble and appreciative.

About Guitar Center:
Guitar Center is the world's largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, recording, live sound, DJ, and lighting equipment, with more than 260 stores across the U.S. 2014 marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the Guitar Center Brand as we continue to help people make music from coast to coast. In addition, the Music & Arts division operates more than 120 stores specializing in band & orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors, and students since 1952. With an unrivaled in-store experience and passionate commitment to making gear easy-to-buy, Guitar Center is all about enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable joy that comes from playing an instrument. All we sell is the greatest feeling on earth. For more information about Guitar Center, please visit www.guitarcenter.com.

About The Manhattan Center
Centrally located in the heart of New York City, The Manhattan Center (www.themanhattancenter.com) is the city's premiere, mid-size venue and a celebrated destination for extraordinary performances and unforgettable special events. The world-class media and entertainment facility houses the famed Hammerstein and Grand Ballrooms, boasting elaborate architecture, hand-painted ceilings, ornate woodwork and beautiful balconies. Fully integrated with HD control rooms and a full service production company, the Manhattan Center provides unparalleled service and complete event services. Manhattan Center has been the venue of choice for corporate galas, charity fundraisers, award shows, rock concerts, and fashion shows for more than 75 years.

SOURCE Little Kids Rock

Little Kids Rock

CONTACT: Keith Hejna, Little Kids Rock, 201.264.9520, keith@littlekidsrock.org or Sarah Sanzari, Peppercomm, 212.931.6175, ssanzari@peppercomm.com

Web Site: http://www.littlekidsrock.org


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