Watch RHCP’s Chad Smith Jam With Children for ‘Little Kids Rock’ Event
Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ Chad Smith received the “Livin’ the Dream” award at Little Kids Rock‘s first ever Family Jam, raising over $85,000 to help provide music education for students.
The Family Jam took place at Facebook’s headquarters last week, and Smith attended to accept the award created in honor of former Facebook head chef Josef Desimone, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2013.
Smith jammed onstage with young Chili Peppers fans and told Rolling Stone about the importance of philanthropy. “Music has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember, and it’s pretty cool to be in a position to give back,” the drummer says. “Thanks to Little Kids Rock for taking the lead and building such an amazing organization.
“It’s so important to keep music education alive in our schools, and to dedicate resources to giving back to the next generation of music makers,” Smith continues. “I’m committed to doing everything I can to support this effort, and Saturday’s event at Facebook was an absolute blast. Who knows — maybe some of the kids we jammed with will be the next Red Hot Chili Peppers!”
The video shows highlights of the event, including Smith joining Little Kids Rock students for a performance of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2002 hit “Can’t Stop.” “Music is the lifeblood of our culture and music has saved my life many times over,” Smith says in the video. “Everyone should have the opportunity to be involved, in some way, in music.”
Smith has been a huge supporter and fundraiser for music education. His drum battle against look-a-like Will Ferrell on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon helped benefit Little Kids Rock as well as Cancer for College, an organization that helps give college scholarships to cancer patients. Smith also participated in a White House talent show last year alongside the Obamas, Sarah Jessica Parker and Alfre Woodard to help raise awareness for arts education.