Rod Stewart Helps Raise $1.7M For Stevie Van Zandt’s TeachRock Education Nonprofit During Southampton Fundraiser

The event hosted by philanthropists Bob and Lauren Day Roberts including the rock icons performing Sam Cooke's "Having a Party" and the Faces' "Stay With Me" at the event. E Street Band guitarist Stevie Van Zandt [L] and Rod Stewart perform at a July 30, 2026 Southampton fundraiser for Van Zandt's TeachRock. Lane Oliveri Trending on Billboard Rod Stewart hopped on stage for a good cause on Thursday night (July 30) at a fundraiser under the stars in Southampton, N.Y. to help support E Street Band guitarist Stevie Van Zandt‘s national education nonprofit TeachRock. Explore See latest videos, charts and news The intimate private concert for 200 guests at the home of philanthropists Bob and Lauren Day Roberts was curated by producer and creative director Mark Aldridge and raised $1.7 million in support of TeachRock’s mission to bring arts education to classrooms across the country. According to a release, one of the highlights of the night was when Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Van Zandt joined Stewart on stage for performances of Sam Cooke’s “Having a Party” and The Faces’ “Stay With Me.” “Playing alongside the legend that is Stevie Van Zandt for TeachRock — what a night,” Stewart said in a statement. “Music changed my life, and TeachRock is making sure it can change theirs too.” TeachRock’s mission includes supplying educators with free, stardards-aligned curriculum that uses the history of popular music to engage students across subjects including history, social studies, language arts and science. The organization currently reaches more than one million students nationwide. Guests at the event also bid on a number of one-of-a-kind experiences during a live auction, including dinner with Van Zandt and fellow Sopranos cast members in New York City’s Little Italy, as well as an intimate dinner with Stewart and his wife, Penny Lancaster and a dinner at Andrea Bocelli’s private villa in Tuscany, followed by a private concert. “When I started TeachRock, I hoped we’d build a community of artists who believe music belongs in every classroom,” said Van Zandt. “To see someone I’ve admired for so long lend his talent to this mission and to watch people come together to support teachers, students, and the next generation through music is incredibly moving. Rod didn’t just give us an unforgettable performance this evening, he gave our mission a tremendous boost. Every dollar raised helps us put free arts education into more classrooms, and that’s something worth celebrating.” Guests at the cocktail reception featuring a menu by Michelin-star French chef Daniel Boulud and cocktails made with Van Zandt’s new Malvado Maple Mezcal, included Marchesa co-founder Georgina Chapman, NewsNation journalist Chris Cuomo and entrepreneur Christina Cuomo, Fox News reporter Maria Bartiromo, Real Housewives of New York star Ramona Singer and others. “Creating experiences with artists like Sir Rod Stewart is something I never take for granted — I still pinch myself every day,” said Aldridge. “My role is the creative concept and the experience itself; the cause is always chosen by the artist and the charity. Watching those elements come together in support of an organization like TeachRock is the greatest reward.” Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox Sign Up