Rock & Roll Institute (R&RI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has empowered youth ages 12–20 through immersive music education and performance for over 21 years, is proud to announce a powerful new collaboration with Hard Rock Casino Rockford LIVE. United by Hard Rock’s Love Amplified motto and a shared mission to make the world a better place by serving people and the planet, this partnership marks a bold step forward for Rockford’s creative youth.
R&RI is known for its transformative “Start a Band on Monday, Play a Show on Friday” model, which fosters creativity, confidence, and collaboration—giving young people the tools to thrive both on and off the stage. The program immerses youth from diverse backgrounds in performance, songwriting, graphic arts, music promotion, and production, guided by dedicated mentors—many of whom were once campers themselves.
With Hard Rock’s generous support and ongoing commitment to the Rockford region, R&RI will host its upcoming Winter Camp, Friday, January 2, 2026, on the LIVE stage—a first for these aspiring artists, creatives, and production crew. This partnership brings Hard Rock’s Love All, Serve All philosophy to life, inspiring youth to pursue their dreams and providing a real-world proving ground for future careers in sound, lighting, video engineering, stage management, and the creative arts. Who knows—we may see the next Rick Nielsen take the stage, all because we gave kids a venue that inspires.
Looking ahead, Rock & Roll Institute plans to launch a Vocational Track in Production, offering hands-on training in audio, lighting, video engineering, stage management, and crew operations. This initiative will equip Rockford-area youth and young adults with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the region’s growing entertainment industry—while providing local venues with a steady stream of emerging talent.
Join us for a press announcement celebrating this exciting alliance and hear directly from County Board Chairman Joseph V. Chiarelli, President of the Hard Rock Casino, Rockford, Geno Iafrate, along with Rock & Roll Institute President/Winnebago County Board Member, Christina Valdez, and Mary McNamara Bernsten, Executive Director of the Rockford Area Arts Council.
This is where passion meets purpose. And with Hard Rock by our side, Rockford’s youth won’t just play the stage—they’ll own it.
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