Benefit Concert Raises $86K For Santa Monica-Malibu Schools

SANTA MONICA, CA – Rick Springfield and Terri Nunn headlined the 13th edition of the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation’s annual benefit concert, which raised more than $86,000 for local public schools. The local band VENICE and SMMUSD student musicians joined the headliners on stage to celebrate arts education, the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation press release said.

Linda Greenberg, the Executive Director of the Education Foundation, said it was an unforgettable evening and that the energy on stage was "electric."

“Every year at this show, the students are playing with rock stars for the first time and the stars have the unique opportunity to perform with a full choir, orchestra and horn section," Greenberg said. "We are so grateful to the artists, sponsors, attendees and students for making the event such a success.”

Students took an active role in almost every aspect of producing the show. Aside from performing on stage, students backstage helped out the professionals with AV and lighting, and student ushers helped attendees to their seats. Hunter Pearson from Malibu High School designed this year’s concert poster, the press release said.

Crowd favorites included Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl” and “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” along with Nunn’s “Take My Breath Away” and “The Metro.” Highlights also included “River Deep Mountain High,” sung by students Zoe D'Andrea and Sonam KC, and “Help From My Friends,” the show’s finale, which featured all of the artists and students on stage together, according to the press release.

Photos courtesy of the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation