It was star-studded Saturday night in Red Bank, filled with some iconic musicians.
The Count Basie Center of the Arts hosted another induction to its Walk of Fame — Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt.
Jon Bon Jovi, fellow Inductee of the Walk of Fame and friend to Van Zandt, congratulated him and welcomed him to the celebration.
“Stephen, you have always been a teacher to me, you’ve been a friend, you’ve been someone who always loved music and the truth is, music loves you back,” Bon Jovi said.
He, along with Darlene Love, Count Basie and other influential musicians whose contributions reflect the lasting power of the arts, also received the honor of being inducted into the Walk of Fame in the heart of Red Bank.
Van Zandt was honored in celebration of his long career in the music and film, as well as his commitment to continuing the education of the arts to the community’s youth.
“If you want kids to do better in reading and math, give them more of the arts. I will use every effort to make you proud,” Van Zandt said.
Van Zandt and TeachRock, the national education nonprofit, presented the inaugural TeachRock Teachers Hall of Fame Celebration. It recognizes educators who use music and culture to engage students and deepen their connection to learning.
The nonprofit hit a milestone of a million students in September.
“The arts are not a luxury. We’re the only country that thinks it’s a luxury or some after school thing. The music classes [sic] which are now being cut, they are being cut all over the country, which is terrible,” Van Zandt said.
Comedian and fellow Jersey Boy Jeff Ross joined his friend in support.
“Writing music, poetry, writing stories, writing comedy — this is really important and that’s what this organization supports,” Ross said.
The streets of Red Bank were packed with people who come out to celebrate with food, drinks, photo ops and a look ahead to a performance by Kool and the Gang, who are also making waves in musical education.
Robert Bell, of Kool and the Gang, spoke about how his wife wanted to do something for the kids.
“I lost my wife 8 years ago. She said, ‘why aren’t music [classes] being taught in the schools?’ I am on my 7th Kool Kids Foundation. We’re raising money for bands and for kids in school,” Bell said.
The Count Basie Center of the Arts has been opened for nearly 100 years.
