Orange County Music & Dance and From Classical To Rock Joined Forces For an Epic Charity Concert

Orange County Music & Dance, a non-profit community performing arts school, founded by Pick Up Stix founder Charlie Zhang, created a once in a lifetime chance for underserved youth to learn and perform alongside professional musicians. Grammy-award winning bassist and producer Randy Jackson emceed the show. John Rzeznik, guitarist and front man of the Goo Goo Dolls, headlined the concert, performing several solos pieces, as well as songs with the youth musicians. Nancy Wilson of Heart performed!

From Classical to Rock was founded in 2016 by renowned Chinese violinist Yutong, rock musician Marten Andersson and acclaimed cellist Stan Sharp to help benefit music education. Stan, Marten and Yutong co-produced the first concert with bassist Robert DeLeo from the band Stone Temple Pilots and the late Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. The concert was a huge hit (it was also the last concert Chester performed with Stone Temple Pilots). The concert raised $50,000 for public music education in 2016.

In addition to headliner John Rzeznik and emcee Randy Jackson, special guest artists include Alex Boye, Miljenko Matijevic (Steelheart, The Doors) Lynn Harrell (acclaimed cellist), Monte Pittman (Madonna), Chinese violinist Yutong (Pacific Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra), Marten Andersson (Steelheart, George Lynch, Lizzy Borden), Chris Broderick (Ex-Megadeth), acclaimed cellistStan Sharp and many more.

This unique concert features high profile musicians from classical music, jazz and rock with original music scored by one of the biggest Hollywood composers Mr. Nathan Wang, playing a wide range of genres and joined on stage by members of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, members of the Donald Bren Honors High School Orchestra and Chorus, and the honorees of the Orange County Artist of the Year in music, voice and dance.

OCMD's CEO Doug Freeman has curated this masterpiece and devotes his energy to "giving Orange County students the best teachers in the world and a learning environment in which economics don't get in the way of their ability."

"This concert embodies who and what we are as an organization. We're here to help the next generation of artists find their way to success. When the arts flourish, we all win." Doug hopes to engage and attract a wide audience of children and adults to demonstrate just how broad the music world can be while integrating talents of performing professionals and aspiring young musicians.

All musicians involved with the event are contributing their time, energy and musical talents in an effort to benefit musical education in Orange County.

CONCERT PERFORMERS:

John Rzeznik - Front man of the Goo Goo Dolls

Hosted by Randy Jackson - Producer, bassist, American Idol judge

Monte Pittman - Musician, songwriter and studio musician, and Madonna's long-time guitarist and member of Prong

Alex Boye - Pop & YouTube Sensation

Nany Wilson- of Heart

Lynn Harrell - Renowned Cellist

Miljenko Matijevic - Lead Singer, Steelheart and The Doors

Yutong - Pacific Symphony, LA Phil, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra

Stan Sharp - Long Beach Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra

Marten Andersson - Steelheart, Lizzy Borden, Lynch Mob
Roger Kalia - Assistant Conductor Pacific Symphony

Chas West - The Jason Bonham Band, Foreigner

Nathan T. Wang - International Music Composer

Cameron Wright - Pop Sensation

Chris Broderick - Ex-Megadeth

John Tu - Jazz band leader

Christopher Lennertz - Famous Music Composer

Emma Lee - Principal Cellist

Jane Lee - Keyboardist/Choir Director

Stephen Chesney - Guitars

Ben Zelico - Drums

About Orange County Music & Dance: OC Music & Dance is Orange County's first and only nonprofit community performing arts school funded by Pick Up Stix founder Charlie Zhang. OCMD is dedicated to providing the highest quality education and resources for our students, regardless of their ability to pay. Our programs feature private and group lessons across a broad spectrum of art forms, as well as curricula for self-improvement, personal growth and professional development. OCMD's mission is to nurture, inspire and empower Orange County's most committed and talented youth to achieve their dreams and provide a path for them to follow their passions.

Photo Credit: Orange County Music & Dance