What is the value of a musical education? While no one can place a monetary figure on the thrill of being able to strike that first power chord, roughly 600 people were willing to pay $2,000 a head to attend The Silverlake Conservatory of Music's annual fundraising concert. Neil Young headlined the star-studded bill, which was held at the Paramour Mansion in Los Angeles. Musical luminaries such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack Black and Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong were all in attendance to help raise money for the school, which provides music lessons to both children and adults.

The brainchild of Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Silverlake Conservatory of Music currently operates out of a rented facility located at the intersection of Sunset and Sanborn streets at Sunset Junction. The Conservatory estimates that they need to raise approximately $6 million dollars to purchase a permanent home. Parallax has been developing potential schemes for this future permanent facility, which would include teaching facilities, a large multipurpose space and a 250-seat auditorium for public and private events.

Before the night was over, Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers had called for a "moment of noise" to honor incomparable literary songwriter Lou Reed, who had passed away only a few days before the concert. Reed had often spoken of the importance of teachers and a supportive environment in his musical development. By providing a musical education to the needy youth of the community, The Silverlake Conservatory of Music ensures that music will always be an integral part of Silverlake.

Link to original LA Times article: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-neil-young-red-hot-chili-peppers-silverlake-conservatory-benefit-20131031,0,2976162.story#axzz2lOTlWnaI