Rockit Academy Gears Up for 20th Anniversary Celebration!

Rockit Celebrates 20 Years of Live Music Education

The legendary Asbury Lanes was electric on August 10th, 2025, as a sold-out crowd gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Rockit Live Foundation. The evening was more than just a concert; it was a powerful tribute to two decades of elite music education, mentorship, and community impact.

For the past two decades, the Rockit Live Foundation has been a cornerstone of music education, nurturing aspiring young musicians and guiding them on their artistic journeys. This anniversary celebration proved to be a memorable occasion, featuring captivating performances from current students and over 50 Rockit Academy alumni, appearances from special guest stars, and a vibrant showcase of the incredible musical abilities cultivated within the program over the years.

A Night of Legends and Legacy

The highlights of the night featured Rockit’s Artist Advisory Board members taking the stage, including Maria Milito, longtime friend of Rockit who hosted the evening. Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Stevie Van Zandt and Rascals legend Eddie Brigati, alongside Maureen Van Zandt and Susan Brigati, joined current students and alumni for high-energy performances of “With a Little Help from My Friends” and the Jersey Shore anthem “I Don’t Want to Go Home.”

The stage also welcomed back over 50 alumni, spanning the program’s entire history. Among them was Greg Oakes, a member of the very first Rockit show in 2005, whose performance served as a living testament to the foundation’s longevity. The celebration was further bolstered by video tributes from industry icons Steve Jordan and Ricky Byrd, as well as notable alumna Christine Meisenhelter and many others!

Two Decades of Heart and Soul

The evening honored the vision of Executive Director Bruce Gallipani, the “heart and soul” of the movement. Inspired by his late mother’s legacy of service, Gallipani founded Rockit to provide a haven for young musicians. His dedication is legendary; for the first decade (2005–2015), Gallipani worked night shifts at the New York Times while volunteering his days to Rockit, forgoing a salary to ensure all tuition was reinvested into hiring the best instructors and building a world-class curriculum.

With the guidance of Maureen and Stevie Van Zandt, Rockit became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2015. Today, it remains a lean and efficient powerhouse, driven by an exceptional, dedicated team of five educators: Justin Gallo, Corey Markowitz, Rob Grande, Brittany Iafelice, and Steve Honoshowsky, and a seven-member volunteer Board of Directors: Barbara Ferrara, Fred Ferrara, Alyssa Ford, Samantha Grande, Frank Peretore, Meg Ricard, and Mark Viani.

Raising the Bar (and the Funds)

Beyond the music, the event emphasized Rockit’s commitment to community and character-building. The anniversary show doubled as a massive success for the organization’s mission, raising over $40,000 for the RockitLive Foundation. These funds will ensure that no child is denied the chance to discover their musical gift, regardless of financial circumstances.

For 20 years, the best musicians have been nurtured by the best instructors, an exceptional team committed to building character, instilling confidence, and emphasizing the importance of community charity through live music education.

As the final chords echoed through Asbury Lanes, it was clear that Bruce Gallipani’s dream has become a thriving reality where every young musician finds their place.