On December 29, 2023 Rockit Academy joined Kick Cancer Overboard, for their annual holiday event with a concert at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club in Asbury Park. Kick Cancer Overboard is a nonprofit organization that gives free cruises to families affected by cancer. The event raised over $10K and KCO awarded cruises to five families, including Rockit Academy student, Emersyn, who was diagnosed with AML leukemia over a year ago. Rockit alumni joined current students on stage for a magical night that included a mixture of songs from our “I Want My 80’s!” show and holiday music. Executive Director of ..read more

On January 21, 2024, Rockit Academy students rocked the crowd performing hits from the “I Want My 80’s” show on The Stone Pony’s legendary stage for Light of Day Next Generation to help raise money and awareness to fund research, education, and improve the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s Disease, ALS and PSP. The post Light of Day Next Generation appeared first on Rockit Live ..read more

Rockit musicians joined Be Like Jake, a non-profit foundation that raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer, and brought holiday cheer to Alex, a 12-year-old who was diagnosed with stage IV cancer (Rhabdomyosarcoma). Alex is in the midst of aggressive treatments at CHOP for at least the next 18 months. Alex and his family received a parade led by the Jackson Police and Fire Company, as well as an actual tank filled with amazing gifts, financial assistance, and lots of smiles! Rockit students set the mood singing holiday songs. We are sending our love and support to Alex and his family t ..read more

House of Independents experienced a devastating flood in September and were unable to reopen their doors from the damage. Rockit Academy will miss our home at HOI and would like to thank the venue for supporting our young musicians and being our home for the past few years The post Rockit Says Goodbye to House of Independents appeared first on Rockit Live ..read more

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Teddy Kurdyla for being awarded the Gibson Lou Pallo Scholarship! In his essay Teddy wrote, “I will strive to be as humble and impactful as the great Lou Pallo.” Gibson Gives and the Rockit Live Foundation established a scholarship in Lou Pallo’s name for guitarists. Teddy received a Gibson Les Paul guitar and one year enrollment in Rockit Academy (private guitar instruction, band rehearsals and live performances). Teddy shared, “I was completely shocked and overjoyed when Eddie Brigati called out my name! Playing the Les Paul for the first time on stage was a magical e ..read more

It has been a year since Emersyn was diagnosed with AML leukemia and having her back on stage Sunday night at our “I WANT MY 80s” show on her 16th birthday was pure JOY! Bruce Gallipani reflected on the evening, “Just one day earlier at rehearsal, I told Emersyn’s band that there will be ten moments in their life they will hold close to their heart forever. Performing with Emersyn on her 16th birthday after a year of absence to heal will be one of them. AND IT WAS! This goes for me as well. I know how special it was for Emersyn and her family but this was also one of my top ten life moments. T ..read more

The Eddie Brigati Honors Scholarship band, Groovin’, will open at “An Evening of Legends” at 7PM on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at Monmouth University’s Pollak Theatre. It will be a night of tributes to Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bobby Valli will sing Jersey Boys hits. Groovin’ will tribute the Rascals, playing hits that beloved mentor, Eddie Brigati, wrote and sang. The post Groovin’ Opens for “An Evening of Legends” appeared first on Rockit Live ..read more

With the blessing and support from Eddie Brigati, the Rockit Live Foundation is excited and honored to launch the Eddie Brigati Honors Scholarship. This honors program was created to acknowledge Rockit Academy students who go above and beyond to fulfill the mission of our organization by demonstrating a strong work ethic in pursuit of achieving full artistic potential, continuously participating in community service events, and consistently being a team player. Band members will change yearly and all Rockit students are encouraged to aspire to be a part of the scholarship program. There will a ..read more

Bill Carbone, the executive Director of Steven Van Zandt’s Teach Rock, connected Rockit with Craig Balsam who donated an ENTIRE STUDIO equipment to Rockit Live Foundation! Craig is an American entertainment industry entrepreneur, Tony Award-winning theatrical producer and film producer. He is co-founder of NYC based independent music company, Razor & Tie, as well as the children’s music brand, Kidz Bop. “Happy to contribute to a fantastic program. Enjoy the gear!” -Craig Balsam Bill Carbone, Maureen and Steven Van Zandt were thrilled to hear that we met up and the equipment donation came t ..read more

Scholarship Spotlight: Kaitlyn Taylor The Rockit Live Foundation makes our elite program available to any aspiring artist at every level of economic status through scholarships. Kaitlyn Taylor, a high school senior, has been a bassist at Rockit Academy for over a year. Originally self taught, Kaitlyn’s talents have grown exponentially in her year at Rockit. Kaitlyn explains, “RockIt was probably one of the best things to ever happen to me. Not only has Rockit helped me become a better musician, but it has helped me grow as a person. When I first started playing bass, I never imagined that I’d ..read more