Kids Rock for Kids

Reported by: Christina Ljuljic
Adapted for print by: Caroline Ealy

Music is something that people of all ages can be a part of, whether it’s listening or performing. Kids Rock for Kids is an organization founded in New York City that puts young, talented musicians at center stage, while raising money for kids in need around the world.

The organization got its start by hosting small community shows, showcasing bands made up of kids and teens. It immediately became clear to the founders that they needed to create a charitable element to their performances. “From the very beginning we realized that these kids can have a purpose with their musical talents and their performances,” explained Lisa Schorr, one of the founders of Kids Rock for Kids. “And so we have always had a charitable component to the shows from the very, very beginning.”

Schorr and Dave Miller co-founded Kids Rock for Kids in 2017, when they realized that showcasing young people with immense talent could have an immediate impact around the world. “Our tagline is: helping the next generation help the world,” Schorr said. "So it’s not just raising money but helping kids. Some of them are gonna be future superstars, kind of ingrained in them that they can make a difference.”

Now, the nonprofit works with both local and global charities. They currently have a partnership with Coalition for the Homeless, a local organization that gives low income kids a chance to attend a sleepaway camp. More recently, they formed a relationship with KidsSave Ukraine, which works to help children and families who have been affected by the war. The proceeds from concerts are being used to uplift and support these organizations.

“We really want the kids to think of themselves as global citizens, and they can make a difference, and also right here in their backyards. Kids need our help,” Schorr said.

One of those global citizens is Cica Moreira, a 16-year-old musician from Brazil. She is a solo artist who mainly sings in Portuguese. Moreira performs for Kids Rock for Kids with their 6 Continents Band, a group of global musicians who create virtual mashups from six different places around the world. According to Moreira, being a performer and giving back go hand in hand.

“Nowadays if you have any way of helping other people I think it’s really necessary,” Moreira said. “You can’t only be a great musician if you don’t have a good soul.” Last June, she participated in the global Come Together festival. It was the first in-person performance since the pandemic. “We had musicians from all over join us with the NYC bands and we rocked out for three days in Brooklyn. It was incredible,” Moreira recalled. “It was a magical event, incredible performances, the friendships that were forged, the connection made through music.”

Moreira isn’t the only teen making a difference with their music. Milo Miller, a 14-year-old, plays the drums in a punk rock band called Trial by Fire. He’s been a part of many different bands for Kids Rock for Kids. Last June, he performed in the band called North South East West. “For the festival I got to play with the most skilled musicians I have ever played with in my entire life,” Miller said. “And the incredible charities that these are things that are going to. I’m able to use my talents for real good.”