Music Will announces its 2027 Music Will Annual Benefit, celebrating a quarter-century of transforming young lives through music education in classrooms across the country. Taking place on May 12, 2027, at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York City, this milestone event marks 25 years since Music Will (originally founded in 2002 as Little Kids Rock) set out to transform music education in public schools, empowering young people nationwide to find their voice, build confidence, and discover their creative potential.
Leading the celebration as the benefit’s first announced artist honoree is Natalie Merchant. Over an acclaimed four-decade career—first as the lead vocalist of 10,000 Maniacs and subsequently across ten solo studio albums—Merchant has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice, arts education, and children’s rights. From her stage and studio collaborations with artists like Mavis Staples, R.E.M., Billy Bragg, and Philip Glass to her appointment to the Board of Trustees of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, her career exemplifies the power of music to inspire and unite. Her lifelong commitment to children’s creative development led to an Artist in Residence appointment with the National Head Start Association and to Cabinet of Wonder, a multi-media, educational and enrichment tool developed in collaboration with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Children’s Theatre.
Merchant is the first of several honorees to be announced for the 2027 Benefit. Additional lineup announcements, performers, and special guests will be rolled out throughout late 2026 and early 2027.
A Night of Performance, Impact, and Community
The 2027 Annual Benefit will bring together music icons, educators, philanthropic leaders, and supporters for an unforgettable evening. True to Music Will’s core mission, the stage will feature inspiring student showcase performances alongside guest artists, placing student talent and dedicated music educators directly at the center of the celebration.
Said Merchant, “It’s quite an honor to be recognized by Music Will for the work that I’m currently doing in early childhood arts education and enrichment. I developed Cabinet of Wonder after volunteering for three years in a Head Start preschool where I witnessed the power that music, poetry, and movement have to inspire, teach, and connect children. This is the work that Music Will has been doing for 25 years in thousands of schools throughout the country. I’m excited to participate in their milestone celebration.”
“Reaching 25 years is an extraordinary testament to the devoted teachers, vibrant student music-makers, and generous community that drive Music Will every day, “expressed Mike Wasserman, Music Will CEO. “Music has the unique ability to unlock potential and foster connection, and honoring Natalie Merchant—whose lifelong dedication to arts education and advocacy deeply reflects our core values—is a true privilege. We look forward to gathering our community next May at our special benefit to celebrate how far we’ve come in 25 years and the bright future ahead for music education.”
Join Us for an Inspiring Evening
Whether you have championed Music Will since its inception or are connecting with our mission for the first time, we invite you to join us on May 12th as we honor 25 years of music education in our most impactful benefit yet.
Event Details & Early Access
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- Date: May 12, 2027
- Location: Marriott Marquis, Times Square, New York City
- Tickets & Sponsorships: Early ticket reservations and sponsorship packages are now available on the 2027 Music Will Annual Benefit Page.
- Sponsorship & Table Inquiries: For corporate sponsorships, table packages, tickets or general event inquiries, please contact our team directly at [email protected].
About Music Will
Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock) is the largest nonprofit provider of music education in U.S. public schools. Founded in 2002, Music Will transforms lives by transforming music education, providing teacher training, curriculum, and brand-new musical instruments to schools across all 50 states.
To date, Music Will has reached over 2.5 million students across 6,000+ public schools, donating more than 100,000 instruments and empowering educators with culturally relevant, student-centered music instruction. As Music Will celebrates 25 years of impact, the organization is actively expanding its programs to reach 11 million students annually by 2030. Learn more at musicwill.org.
