Kevin Cronin has reflected on a special benefit night in which he performed alongside Sammy Hagar and John Waite. Cronin posted on Instagram about the event and its focus on music education.
The performance took place at Stage Red in Fontana, California, and was designed to support music education programs at the venue. Cronin appeared with acoustic versions of popular songs and brought family and fellow musicians to perform with him.
“Hi friends, I had the pleasure of joining up with my friends, Sammy Hagar and John Waite at Stage Red in Fontana, CA to benefit music education programs that are ongoing at the venue,” Cronin said.
“It was a wonderful night of stripped down versions of our biggest hits, and love from the generous folks who came out to support the cause with us. It was especially rewarding for me to have my son, Shane and fellow USC Music School graduate Ted Bordeau as my accompanists and harmony singers.”
Cronin went on to explain the value of formal music training. “These boys epitomize how music education can take raw natural ability and help it blossom into musical virtuosity. Thanks to everyone involved for a great night.”
Hagar responded with his own message of appreciation. “Yes, Kevin and it was awesome and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the good stuff you do for others including your friends Mucha Gracias amigo. See you next year.”
The benefit event marked a moment for Cronin to support music education after his recent decision to step away from touring with REO Speedwagon. The night brought together musicians in support of a shared cause.
REO Speedwagon played their final show together as a band on December 21, 2024, at Las Vegas’ Venetian Theatre. The band ceased touring due to irreconcilable differences that arose between bassist Bruce Hall and lead vocalist Kevin Cronin. Cronin now continues to perform under his own name with the same band lineup he had in his final year with REO Speedwagon.
Stage Red is a 500-seat venue backed by Sammy Hagar and IZ Avila, created from a former 1930s movie theater in downtown Fontana. The Stage Red Fontana Youth Music Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to expanding music education opportunities for young people in the community. The fundraising gala brought together rock and roll performers to support these educational initiatives.
John Waite began his musical career as lead singer and bassist of The Babys before launching a successful solo career. Ted Bordeau is a USC Thornton Music Industry student who received a 2021 ASCAP scholarship and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the Thornton School of Music Division of Contemporary Music. Jonathan Peske has been an integral part of music education for hundreds of students annually over the past 25 years in Fontana.
