School of Rock Montclair’s Spring Concerts Raise Funds for NJ and International Charities

Tickets sale proceeds from May and June concerts presented by School of Rock Montclair were donated to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund and the Jack Brewer Foundation.

The School’s mid-term show on May 5 at St. John’s Episcopal Church and “New Jersey Underground” shows at Just Jake’s in Montclair and Crossroads in Garwood in early June raised a total of $1,500, which will support New Jersey residents who were victims of Hurricane Sandy, through the New Jersey Relief Fund.  The School’s “Tribute to Stevie Wonder” concerts at Mexicali Live in Teaneck and Just Jake’s in Montclair on June 22 and 23 raised $1,000 for the Jack Brewer Foundation, which focuses on the empowerment of women and children living within impoverished and underdeveloped communities around the world.

“Our students’ concerts not only give them the opportunity to increase their musical knowledge and experience by performing for live audiences at real rock venues, they also deliver financial support to charitable organizations that do good works,” says Matt Sandoski, owner of School of Rock Montclair.  “It’s a fantastic way to leverage our students’ talent and energy in a way that benefits people who are in need in the community, the nearby region, and the world.”

The “Tribute to Stevie Wonder” shows included participation from New York Giants’ defensive tackle Marvin Austin, who took drum lessons at the School and rehearsed with students for three hours each week, beginning in February.  He chose the Jack Brewer Foundation to be the recipient of the concerts’ proceeds.

"Working with the School of Rock Montclair kids was one of the greatest experiences of my life and some of the most fun I’ve had,” says Austin.  "They’re ridiculously talented, and their work ethic really motivated me to deliver the goods.”