Little Kids Rock Benefit Gala Raises $1.3 Million for Music Education, Honors Elvis Costello and More

Hosting a benefit gala for music education, national non-profit organization Little Kids Rock raised $1.3 million at their annual event. Held at the Playstation Theater last October 18, the evening paid tribute to figures such as singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, blues singer Bonnie Raitt, and City Winery CEO Michael Dorf.

Costello took home the Rocker of the Year Award presented to him by actor Mike Myers, while Raitt was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from good friend Harry Connick Jr.

Harry Connick speaks onstage during the Little Kids Rock Benefit 2017 at PlayStation Theater on October 18, in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Grammy nominee Bettye LaVette was also in attendance to perform “Blackbird” during the evening and to present to Dorf, who was greatly acknowledged for his wide-ranging philanthropic work. These include Dorf's successful attempts at expanding music education for struggling young individuals through “Music of” tribute concerts conducted annually.

"Honoring Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt and Michael Dorf this year is a fitting tribute to the incredible generosity and love that they have shown our kids over the years," David Wish, Founder and CEO of Little Kids Rock, said in an official statement.

Honorees Elvis Costello and Bonnie Raitt attend the Little Kids Rock Benefit 2017 at PlayStation Theater on October 18, in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

"Mr. Costello's commitment to social issues is an inspiration, and no other artist friend has supported our kids and teachers for as long, or spoken so frequently and eloquently on our kids' behalves when it comes to their right to have music in their lives as Bonnie Raitt,” he added.

The Little Kids Rock bands, who came together from across the U.S. to perform at the event, took on classic tracks, such as “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Girl Of Fire.” The awardees also took to the stage as Raitt sang “Thing Called Love” and Costello performed an “Alison” medley with songs that significantly changed his life as a musician. The duo then performed “Love Has No Pride” together before the bands of Little Kids Rock joined them for a moving performance of “All You Need Is Love.”

Michael Dorf, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, Darlene Love, Bettye LaVette and Keb' Mo attend the Little Kids Rock Benefit 2017 at PlayStation Theater on October 18, 2017 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Produced by Mark Krantz and Michael Matuza, the Annual Little Kids Rock Benefit brings together individuals committed to expanding music education to children in U.S. public schools. Over the past years, various artists have been honored through the event, including Lady Gaga, Smokey Robinson, Joan Jett, Steve Miller and Graham Nash, among others.

This year, the benefit gala was centered on the theme “Music Changed My Life.” The concept was reflected in both the honored artists and the special renditions made by public school students from Pasadena and New York City who were given free music lessons as arranged by Little Kids Rock.

Mike Meyers, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McKean and Darlene Love pose backstage during the Little Kids Rock Benefit 2017 at PlayStation Theater on October 18, 2017 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Tags : Little Kids Rock Music Education Michael Dorf elvis costello bonnie raitt non-profit organizations