Somerset County Rockers Perform Live At Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Somerset County student musicians from the Somerville School of Rock were able to embark on a unique experience after they were selected to play at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on July 9 as part of a multi-state tour throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

The catch was the group just needed to raise enough funds to accomplish this. After a successful GoFundMe campaign raising more than $20,000, the Somerville School of Rock recently completed their first-ever summer tour featuring a live performance at the world-renowned "Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame."

The tour bus departed at 7 a.m. on July 8 from the Somerville School of Rock and headed straight to Cleveland where they performed two music sets with their peers from the Markham, Ontario and Cleveland School of Rock House Bands.

"It was such an amazing opportunity to play at the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame as one of my final performances as a Somerville School of Rock House Band member. I had the time of my life and I am so appreciative that I was given this opportunity that I will never forget," vocalist/keyboardist, Emily Chase said.

The tour continued on with shows in Buffalo, NY; Downington, PA; Belmar, NJ and Bensalem, PA.

In addition, three of the students were accepted into the School of Rock All-Stars program where they continued touring at the National level. Just over 150 students out of 60,000 nationwide were selected for this huge honor and three Somerville School of Rock musicians passed the rigorous audition process for this achievement.

Shannon M. (Bassist) performed with the Great North Tour. Ryan S. (Guitarist) performed with the Southeast Tour and Richie P. (Drummer) toured the West Coast.

As well as being talented musicians, Somerville School of Rock House Band members must be role models in their schools and communities to become a member. Each student also mentors the younger students in the Rock 101 program where all of the kids learn music through live performance.

"It has always been amazing to watch my son, Ryan, perform on stage with Somerville School of Rock and to build friendships and connections on and off stage. What I didn't expect this year was to watch all of the parents rally around the kids and schools to raise almost enough money, over $20,000 to send them on a full 6-day tour and be driven around in a tour bus. Catching up with Ryan while on tour at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH and seeing him perform on stage with his friends brought tears to my eyes as he got to do something he is passionate about on the big stage… and oh yeah, they all killed it on stage, said Mark S. of the School of Rock Parent Association.

School of Rock thanked GoFundMe contributors and the following Business Sponsors:

• Riker Danzig LLP, Morristown
• Blue Sheep Bake Shop, Somerville
• Dr.Paul Haggan, D.M.D, Somerville
• Bridgewater Eagle Riders Aerie # 2137, Bridgewater
• Hoffman Equipment Co., Piscataway
• Somerset Orthodontic Associates/Dr. Robert Peterman, Somerville/Hillsborough
• Felicia A Spitz
• KTS Heavy Hauling, Edison
• Village Brewing Company, Somerville

Due to the great success of this tour, owners John and Kristen Epstein and Dante Cimino (also the Music Director) will offer a summer tour next year of the Northeast and Canada.

If interested in more information about the Somerville School of Rock performance-based music program (all-ages to adult) or would like to sponsor the 2024 House Band Summer Tour, contact the school at email: somerville@schoolofrock.com or phone 908-231-8300 or Instagram @somervilleschoolofrock.