Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith was in Syosset Wednesday night "giving it away" to charity.
The multi-Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer made a stop on Long Island for a special fundraiser benefiting the
Chad Smith Foundation, an organization dedicated to putting musical instruments into the hands of kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play.
Smith was joined Billy Joel guitarist and back-up vocalist Mike DelGuidice, Wheatus, Mark Mendoza, from Twisted Sister, and The 90's Band on stage at the Cultural Arts Playhouse for a night of rock performances that doubled as an investment in the next generation of musicians.
“They get an opportunity to play in a safe spot and have teachers and have instruments,” Smith said.
Every ticket sold helped support the foundation's mission of providing instruments, music education and college scholarships to young people pursuing their passion for music.
One young boy at the event even received a year of drumming lessons, thanks to the foundation.
“It's incredible that people like Chad are coming out to find ways to bring music into the classroom and to get instruments into these kids' hands,” said John Smykowski, a music teacher at Floral Park High School.
Fans didn't leave empty-handed, either. Every person who attended received a signed pair of Chad Smith drumsticks and a commemorative photo with Chad.
Wednesday night's coverage: