JOHN CAVANAUGH
STEVIE VAN ZANDT
As previously announced, Stevie Van Zandt’s TeachRock educational organization will hold its first Hall of Fame Celebration, honoring educators, at The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, Oct. 17. Kool & the Gang will perform, Pete Davidson will host, and Tom Morello will accept a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of his mother, the late Mary Morello, who was an educator.
Also, The E Street Choir (accompanied by E Street Band members Charlie Giordano, on keyboards, and Anthony Almonte, on percussion) will perform, and comedians Jeff Ross and Ricky “Rickonia” Smith will make appearances. And there will be an auction with items donated by Ringo Starr, John Mellencamp, Nicki Germaine, Ron Aniello and others.
It also was announced today that in the afternoon (at a time TBA) before the 7 p.m. gala, Van Zandt will be inducted into Basie Center’s Walk of Fame.
Van Zandt, who grew up in Middletown and recently moved back to Monmouth County after many years in New York, said in a press release: “It is an incredible honor to become a permanent part of the Basie Center, and I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate than spending that same night honoring teachers. Teachers change lives every day, usually without anybody applauding them for it. This night is about changing that.”
Adam Philipson, President and CEO of the Basie Center, said in the press release: “Stevie Van Zandt’s extraordinary artistry, deep connection to New Jersey and longstanding relationship with the Basie Center make this induction especially meaningful to us. His influence on music and culture is undeniable, and throughout his remarkable career, he has used that influence to create opportunities for others. Stevie reminds us that an artist’s legacy can be measured both by the work they create and the lives they inspire. We are incredibly proud to welcome him onto the Count Basie Center’s Walk of Fame.”
For more on the gala, visit teachrock.org/event/thof.
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