Kid N' Music at La Rinconada CC, June 11, 2000. Review by Leigh Weimers, San Jose Mercury News

Steinway Society - The Bay Area would like to thank you for your participation during our 1999-2000 Season and update you on the success of our June 11, 2000, Kids 'N Music event held at La Rinconada CC, with guest host David Benoit.
The enthusiastic audience was treated to great music and fine dining. A wonderful display of silent auction items raised $10,000.00 which will be donated to:
Bret Harte Middle School, Shirakawa Elementary School,
Oak Grove High School, Lincoln High School, and
Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.

Headliner David Benoit was stellar, as was 15-year-old-prodigy/protege Taylor Eigsti, but that was expected. But the other kids, wow! Estetica, Lincoln High's jazz choir, was sophisticated beyond its years. Santa Clara High freshman Neil Self blew jazz trumpet smoothly, and Los Altos sixth-grader Sean Liu played Schubert as though he'd been doing it for many more years than four. And by the time the finale rolled around -- Harker School fifth-grader Yuma Sung, all of 11 years old, confidently trading licks on the piano with adult pro guitarist Jack Raymond on "Duke's Place" - the audience was surprised and pleased. Pleased to see that music education is alive in schools again, surprised by the depth of the youngsters' musical talent. Remember these kids. You'll be hearing a lot more from them.

Leigh Weimers

If you were unable to attend you still can participate by sending your tax-deductible donations to Steinway Society -The Bay Area, any contribution would be greatly appreciated, and critical for youth music programs -- credit cards gladly accepted!