TeachRock, the free curriculum program founded by Steven Van Zandt that uses music to produce learning materials, has announced that its Help on the Way fundraising concerts will return in November. These benefit events are set for Wednesday, November 4 at The Cutting Room in New York City and Saturday, November 7 at Fairfield Theatre Company in Fairfield, CT. Proceeds will help TeachRock in its ongoing efforts to offer its curriculum, professional learning and resources completely free for educators. TeachRock is currently utilized by 80,000 educators and has reached more than one million students.

This year’s house band features Corey Glover (Living Colour), Rob Eaton (Dark Star Orchestra), Tim Palmieri (Lotus), Aron Magner (The Disco Biscuits), Noelle Saison (King Saison) and Vinnie Amico (moe.). As per tradition, these artists will play mashups of classic hits with the music of the Grateful Dead

“At TeachRock, we’ve always believed that music is one of the most powerful ways to connect with young people,” said Van Zandt. “It opens the door to history, culture, ideas, and conversations that might otherwise never happen. Help on the Way brings that same spirit into the community. We get to make some great music, celebrate the teachers doing this work every day, and help make sure they have the resources to keep reaching their students.”

“Music scenes have always been about more than the music—they’re communities,” notes Bill Carbone, Executive Director of TeachRock. “There’s a shared language and a sense of belonging that can connect people across generations. When we bring that same energy into a school, a teacher and a student can suddenly have a point of connection that might not have existed otherwise. That’s really what TeachRock is about, and Help on the Way lets us celebrate that idea with the community that understands it firsthand.”

The music begins early for VIP guests, with a 5:30 p.m. VIP Happy Hour featuring artist meet-and-greets, an open bar and food, plus intimate acoustic sets by Hell or High Water in New York and Bone Dry in Connecticut.

“Great music has always been about more than what happens onstage,” adds TeachRock Board Member Peter Shapiro. “The best shows create a community. You walk into a room with people you may not know, and a few hours later you’ve shared something together. That sense of connection is at the heart of TeachRock, too, and Help on the Way is a great example of how the live music community can come together to support that work.”

The evenings will also recognize David Kessler, Alan Wolfson and Stephen Scott, collectively known as the CohnReznick Three, and celebrate an educator making a difference in the classroom with the presentation of a TeachRock Trailblazer Teacher Award.

 EVENT DETAILS

Wednesday, November 4, 2026
The Cutting Room, located at 44 E 32nd Street in New York City
VIP Happy Hour: 5:30 p.m.
General Admission: 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at bit.ly/trhotwnyc

Saturday, November 7, 2026
Fairfield Theatre Company, located at 70 Sanford Street in Fairfield, Connecticut

VIP Happy Hour: 5:30pm
General Admission: 7:00pm

Tickets are available at bit.ly/trhotwct