By Sarah Weiss
When budget cuts are made, arts education is often among the first of the casualties. In order to protect the careers of budding musicians in Los Angeles, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea founded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music in 2001.
The Conservatory is a non-profit organization that vitalizes music education for both young people and adults. Flea’s Red Hot Chili Peppers bandmate Anthony Kiedis will join Flea to host a benefit for the Conservatory featuring performances by Neil Young and the Red Hot Chili Peppers on October 30. Proceeds from the concert will go toward funding permanent faculty and expanding their scholarship program.
“Going into our 13th year of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, flourishing with 700 students as a non-profit community music school, I could not be more grateful for all the people who have helped us out along the way,” said Flea. “Having one of my favorite musicians, Neil Young, perform to help out the school is the greatest blessing! This is gonna be the funnest fundraiser ever! All of us working together, making L.A. a better city, and educating the kids.”
The event will also feature a silent auction where attendees can purchase an array of art collectables from Tim Armstrong, Cecily Brown, Justin Bua, Jerry de Wilde, Shepard Fairey, and many more. Additional items will be donated for auction from popular retailers such as Jimmy Choo, Josie Maran and Diane Von Fustenberg.