The Adopt the Arts foundation is taking Los Angeles by storm. Co-founded by Matt Sorum (Guns n’ Roses, The Hollywood Vampires), and supported by the likes of Jane Lynch, Adopt the Arts aims to save the arts in America’s public schools. This organization provides an opportunity to give back to the community, and make a difference in a child’s life.
As stated on the Adopt the Arts website, “Adopt the Arts is raising awareness and money to keep arts education in public schools in Los Angeles, and is gradually expanding into other cities. As in many school districts around the country, year after year LAUSD has been slowly eroding its commitment to arts education by reducing its arts education budget incrementally. According to it’s own numbers, LAUSD estimates that only 50% of elementary school students are getting some kind of art instruction at school. Some estimates suggest that LAUSD spends just 3 cents per child on arts education even though all scientific studies show that an education rich in the arts enhances academic performance, improves school culture, mitigates truancy and tardiness, and is instrumental in fully developing the young mind.”
The Fonda Theater in Los Angeles hosted the ATA benefit concert on May 12th, an absolute extravaganza featuring infamous musicians, entrepreneurs, and a live auction of music memorabilia. The event was an extraordinary success, raising thousands for arts education. The event also honored 2016 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, as well as Robin Zander of Cheap Trick.
Before the doors opened to the public, a red carpet affair was held upstairs at the venue, on the outdoor deck. Musicians from a plethora of wonderful bands attended, such as Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses), Billy Duffy (The Cult), Dean Deleo and Robert Deleo (Stone Temple Pilots), Steve Lukather (Toto), Franky Perez (Apocalyptica), Stevie Salas (Mick Jagger), Paul III (Tina Turner, Disreputable Few), Damon Fox (Big Elf and The Cult), and a surprise appearance by Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry.
The night was hosted by actress Jane Lynch and Matt Sorum together, both of which organized the event. The live concert featured a slew of well-known cover songs, portrayed by some of the greatest rock talents, with each song switching out the lineup of performers. The auction was quite memorable in itself, with a guitar signed by Slash fetching a top bid of $11,000 as a prime example. The biggest donation, however, was a whopping $50,000 from the CEO of Coffee Bean.
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Review and photography by Anabel Dflux, RockRevolt Photojournalist
