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TESTIMONIALS
“Kids Rock For Kids has opened my life up to so many beautiful things. It has made me a better musician, songwriter, team member, communicator, and leader. It has guided me toward opportunities I never could have foreseen, while bringing me lasting memories and lifelong friends. It has gone beyond what any other school club, sport or extracurricular has done for me. I cannot say enough good things about this organization. I am truly proud to be a small part of such a worthy cause. “
— Monica McShane, musician, 16, NYC
“KRFK is one of the few truly trustworthy and honest organisations in the world of grassroots and global music. Their passion for music as both a means of unifying people and creating real change has inspired a whole new generation of artists to help others and collaborate with one another, whilst allowing them to forge sustainable careers. I personally am enormously grateful for the opportunities they’ve provided for my band, as well as the lifelong relationships they have nurtured. Thank you for including us in your ever-expanding global family!”
— Archy Tomás Phipps, musician, 21, the UK
“Kids Rock For Kids works tirelessly to bring musically advanced kids together with others from across the country and around the world – giving them the opportunity to do what they love, while raising money to help kids in need. It's hard to express how incredible the community that has been created is, or to count how many kids they’ve helped and lives they’ve changed.”
— Michele Melnick, parent of 10-year-old guitarist, The Only Bay, NYC
“KRFK offers a wonderful platform for passionate and talented young musicians to come together and pursue their music, with a purpose. Truly honored to be associated with such a unique and commendable non-profit. We are grateful to the community to have allowed our daughter to grow as a musician and a person. The icing on the cake is the warmth and generosity of KRFK’s founders, Dave and Lisa. “
— Punya and Vijit Chhabra, parents of 14-year-old musician Vinya, New Jersey
“Kids Rock For Kids has not only helped me build valuable experiences and contacts in the international music industry, but through them I’ve found my best friends for life! Thanks to KRFK, I’ve learnt that music is a universal language connecting all cultures on earth.”
— Caitlin Hargraves, musician, 21, Australia
“Kids Rock For Kids has played an extremely significant role in my journey as a musician - they booked my band’s first show at The Bitter End, and through the last couple years gave me countless opportunities to connect with peers and fellow musicians in the music scene, whether that was on a live stage or in the recording studio. Through their support, I was able to perform at prestigious venues like DROM, Trans-Pecos, and even events like the Atlantic Antic street festival. From day one, they made me feel like I was a professional and helped me find my footing in the industry. I have immense respect for Dave Miller, Lisa Schorr, and everyone else in the KRFK Team, whose dedication and passion continue to inspire me and so many others in the New York music scene! Their work is unique and invaluable, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done for me.”
— Ian Su, musician, 19, NYC
“KRFK created a web of connections from people across the world. It’s a really extensive network that brings people together for incredible causes…even if I’m not playing, I’m going to the show because there are so many talented people to see and meet. I’m really grateful for the community it created for me and my band.”
– Julia Miranda, musician, 19, NYC
“Music is a fundamental part of my identity, and Kids Rock for Kids equips me with the platform and resources to succeed. I'm so grateful for the life-long friendships I've built through my involvement with the organization, and the nurturing and inspiring environment they've cultivated.
KRFK symbolizes the circles of community that music engenders; kids (like myself) do what we love while giving back to those less fortunate. As the pianist for the House Band, I've expanded my network of musicians, performed in front of thousands, and collaborated with high-profile artists. Who knew I'd be playing at festivals, street fairs, iconic clubs in NYC, and perhaps most shockingly, Gov Ball???
Additionally, I'm so excited for the annual Global Festival, featuring teen musicians from around the world. KRFK provides an outlet to connect through our shared passions, and demonstrates music's power to transcend language barriers and cultural differences.”
— Ariana Sidman, musician, 18, NYC
“Kids Rock for Kids is about so much more than music. It’s given my daughter a chance to thrive in a creative space. Through the process of making music, writing lyrics, and collaborating with other musicians she’s learned to challenge herself, believe in her ideas and support others. She’s met a network of musicians and friends she can count on. We are forever grateful.”
— Taina Hernandez McShane, parent of 16-year-old musician, Monica, NYC
“KRFK has been such a terrific experience. The participants aren't just great kid musicians, they're great musicians by any standard! Meeting so many passionate musicians from around the city, country, and world has been inspiring and motivating for Jazz and I know we all look forward to more KRFK events in the future! “
— Jocelyn McTaggart, parent of 15-year-old musician, Jazz, NYC
“Kids Rock For Kids has completely changed me not only as a musician, but as a person. The community is so encouraging and supportive that now I'm more confident on stage and talking to new people with ease.
They do this through life-changing opportunities. I’ve gotten multiple opportunities to meet, bond, and play with immensely talented kid musicians from around the world, while also giving to amazing causes. It is the most fabulous way to give back to the community while also doing what I love.“
—Vinya Chhabra, musician, 14, New Jersey
“The most Important thing music can do for us is allow us to connect with one another. The KRFK community has offered me this gift of connection through music time and time again. Whether I’m jamming out with people from halfway across the world who I’ve never met before, dancing at shows with some of my closest friends or trading licks back while working on new original songs, music has allowed us to speak the same language and make the KRFK community the warm, energetic space it is.”
— Performer, 16, NYC
“As a young band, we had no clue how hard it would be to break into the scene. We’ve been turned down from shows due to not only our age, but that of the audience we’re assumed to have. In response, we’d started to hide our age and try to appear older, always feeling a little on the outside, until we started working with Kids Rock For Kids. They made us feel much prouder of being young in the scene, and (we) share that pride with the other young artists their work has allowed us to meet.”
— Lexi Orial, musician, 19, Canada