By Lookout Staff
May 26, 2009 -- Rock star icon Billy Idol and special guests Dave Mason, co-founder of the legendary rock group Traffic, and Venice will perform Saturday at a benefit to support the arts in the local public schools.
Keeping the Arts Alive! -- sponsored by Artists For The Arts Foundation and For The Arts -- will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Samohi Greek Amphitheater on the Santa Monica High School campus.
“This concert has become our most anticipated event of the year,” said Linda Gross, executive director of the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation.
"When professional musicians share the stage with students, the evening transforms into an ideal showcase for the caliber of arts programs we strive to bring to our students."
Idol, who was a member of the punk band Generation X, launched a solo career with a series of stylish music videos that made him one of MTV’s first big stars. In 1983, he achieved superstar status with his second LP, Rebel Yell, which included the hits "Eyes Without a Face" and "Flesh For Fantasy."
Mason, who penned the rock standard “Feelin’ Alright” while with Traffic, played on Jimi Hendrix’s landmark recording of “All Along the Watchtower,” before embarking on a solo career.
Venice band members Michael, Kipp, Mark and Pat Lennon have performed in many shows to support and sustain the arts in public schools, including numerous appearances for the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation featuring Jackson Browne, David Crosby and Heart.
During a worsening economic crisis, Keeping the Arts Alive! will help fund and sustain arts programs in the Santa Monica- Malibu public schools, said Marty Carrillo, president of
Artists for the Arts Foundation (AFTAF).
“With the state's financial crisis impacting schools and causing cutbacks, this concert gives the community an opportunity to support a positive and resounding voice for the future of our children," Carrillo said.
Tickets for Keeping the Arts Alive! on sale at www.smmef.org
The Samohi Greek Amphitheater is located at 601 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica CA 90405.
For The Arts is a community-wide effort to raise awareness and an arts endowment to ensure that every student in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District receives a broad introduction to the arts as part of their complete education.
Artists For The Arts Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping public school districts sustain and create Arts Programs. This is our fourth consecutive year helping to fund the For The Arts endowment. www.aftafoundation.org
