So for the last six months we’ve been working through the night, under cars and in back alleys to bring you a new project. We’ve teamed up with NYC non-profit Education Through Music (ETM) to present School of Rock: Battle of the Bands on May 15th from 7-10 pm at the Canal Room! Four “bands” of ETM students (from four different schools) have each been assigned a celebrity coach who has shaped the style and sound of their band. Coaches Jay Jay French (legendary guitarist for Twisted Sister), Sammy James, Jr. (lead singer of The Mooney Suzuki), Rachel Platten and Goldspot’s Siddhartha Khosla will perform with their bands of students at the Canal Room on May 15th. The cost of the ticket ($60) includes four-hour open bar, hors d’oeuvres, live performances and a DJ’d “after party”.

As MEMBERS OF ADB, YOU get the same ticket for $40. (Just enter the code: alldaybuffet)

The Cause: Many New York City schools, especially those serving low-income students, have restricted or excluded music from the curriculum. It is well known that music inspires creativity and fosters communication, but what is often overlooked is the fact that music education dramatically improves academic performance while significantly lowering dropout rates. ETM is centered on the belief that music can reinforce learning and development in all areas. The organization serves a diverse population of at-risk students in 17 schools in New York City by ensuring high-quality instruction, hiring qualified teaching artists, providing ongoing training, and performing regular program assessments.

It’s a little more than $2, but you’ll be making an huge difference in the lives of these kids and having a damn good time doing it. So get your tickets now.