In the fall of 2023, the Rockit Live Foundation launched the Eddie Brigati Honors Scholarship. This honors program was created to acknowledge Rockit Academy students who go above and beyond to fulfill the mission of our organization by demonstrating a strong work ethic in pursuit of achieving full artistic potential, continuously participating in community service events, and consistently being a team player. These students formed the band, GROOVIN’, tributing music of The Young Rascals while being mentored by Eddie. GROOVIN’ had the opportunity to open for Vanilla Fudge and The Cowsills, performed with rock legends Stevie Van Zandt, Ricky Byrd, Liberty DeVitto, and Johnny Farina, and were invited to perform on the same bill as Peter Criss, Rick Allen, Simon Kirke, Jim Keltner, and so many more! GROOVIN’ also had the opportunity to record Rascals hits at Atlantic Records Studio in NYC with their mentor, Eddie Brigati, sitting in the control room!
This is a true honor and one of those rare opportunities in life to collaboratively work with a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist who has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame!
Current Eddie Brigati Honors Scholarship Recipients and members of the band, GROOVIN’, tributing the music of The Young Rascals
Maddie Freeman – Drums/Vocals
Steven Jacob – Keyboards/Drums/Vocals
Mia Knight – Vocals
Ryan Lowry – Guitar
Sean Ricard – Keyboards/Guitar
Samantha Rodriguez – Vocals
Kaitlyn Taylor – Bass/Vocals
Stephanos Tsompanidis – Drums/Trumpet
Groovin' News
*Information and decisions about the future GROOVIN’ band will be communicated in early 2025
Program Highlights
- A band of 6-8 students called “GROOVIN’” is chosen by Rockit Executive Director, Bruce Gallipani, and Rockit instructors. The band studies, rehearses, and performs the music of The Young Rascals to live audiences with full production.
- Students are directly mentored by Eddie Brigati and Susan Brigati, along with special guest mentors, such as Liberty DeVitto, Johnny Farina, Stevie and Maureen Van Zandt and more.
- Record and perform Rascals hits and Eddie’s original music after the Rascals, along with anything he may co-write with students.
Commitment DURING Rockit Sessions
- One 90-120 minute Rascals Band Rehearsal will be inserted into a current band session slot.
- Songs worked on at these rehearsals will most likely NOT be performed at the session show.
- It is important to note that there is a strong possibility that honor students will have less songs/bands in a session show performance.
- Honors students must be prepared to balance session commitments to assigned bands, schoolwork, and this special honors scholarship band project.
Commitment IN BETWEEN Rockit Sessions
- Rehearse 3-4 hours a week in between Rockit Sessions.
- Collaboratively set rehearsals day(s) and time that work for everyone.
Ongoing Commitment
- Part of accepting this scholarship is understanding the additional commitment required for live shows and recording sessions in addition to Rockit session shows.
- Rockit Live Foundation reserves the right to replace student musicians based on lack of commitment, progress, or performance.