On Saturday, November 3rd, 2012, BTF Concerts held the second annual ROCK THE SCHOOLS CONCERT at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City. This year, the company produced the show to support and promote music education, and the Fender Music Foundation. However, due to the mass destruction of Hurricane Sandy, the producers decided to donate a portion to the Hurricane Relief Fund. The show took place not more than 12 hours after receiving power back at the venue following the storm’s aftermath. The producers worked around the clock to make the show work. Every artist knew the situation and wanted the show to go on. Both headliners, Bethany Joy Lenz and Thomas Ian Nicholas flew out from Los Angeles knowing that there was no power at the venue at the time and came anyway, hopeful that we’d regain power so they could perform to a crowd of people eager to hear their favorite stars.
The concert was co-hosted by Z100 New York On-Air Personality, Trey Morgan with Host of Vh1′s “Big Morning Buzz Live”, Carrie Keagan with performances by Actress/Musician, Bethany Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill); Wakey! Wakey!; Actor/Musician, Thomas Ian Nicholas (American Pie films); Singer/Songwriter, Teddy Geiger; Singer/Songwriter, Matthew Perryman Jones; Singer/Songwriter, Alexis Babini; and Singer/Songwriter, Tyler Wuerthner.

BTF Concerts and Rock the Schools Founder, Alaina Bendi stated, “More went into this show than anyone could possibly realize, and we did everything we could to keep it together despite the aftermath of the hurricane. I can’t begin to tell you what a challenge it was to keep the show on track. A lot of people couldn’t make it due to transportation issues but for every one email we got with someone canceling, we got 10 more saying how grateful people were that we weren’t canceling.” She went on to say “the generosity, understanding and patience from the artists, agents, managers and publicists that helped make this happen was just beyond heartwarming. The emails and tweets we got from excited fans saying that it was the greatest night of their lives to meet and/or see their favorite artist was completely overwhelming and worth all of the sweat and tears put into producing the event. I think that in this situation, it proves even more how much music can make an impact when an event like this can bring people together to support a cause that can positively affect the lives of others.”

The show was sponsored by Live Nation and Yelp! With partners, Vita Coco, Dream Water, Honest Tea and Baked by Melissa. Due to the conditions the week of the hurricane, the drink supply for the pre-show VIP party was unable to reach the show in time; however, guests enjoyed cupcakes supplied by Baked by Melissa and champagne as they mingled with the entire artist lineup.
The crowd went wild when special surprise guests, “One Tree Hill” star, James Lafferty and Robert Buckley, star of “One Tree Hill” and currently “666 Park Avenue” made an impromptu appearance on stage during Wakey!Wakey!’s set. The crowd was also surprised with an amazing duet by Bethany Joy Lenz and Wakey!Wakey!

As an extra fundraiser, the show was streamed online worldwide via Stageit, where people donated even more money for the cause. Thomas Ian Nicholas also donated his custom made Cubs jersey from when he threw the first pitch at Wrigley Field last year. Co-Hosts, Trey Morgan and Carrie Keagan auctioned the jersey during the show and it sold for $350. All money going directly to charity. Nicholas also donated CDs with all proceeds going towards the charity.

For all press inquiries please contact Jessie Neff at jessie@btfconcerts.com

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