School of Rock Montclair will present a memorial concert at Just Jake’s this Sunday, March 1 to pay tribute to faculty member Kevin Parker, who recently passed away due to complications from a stroke. All funds that are raised at the event, including donations and proceeds from raffles and a silent auction, will be donated to Parker’s family to help them with final expenses.
“Kevin was the type of guy who always had a smile for his students and co-workers,” said Matt Sandoski, owner of School of Rock Montclair. “He brought his musical talent and extensive experience to our school as well as an amazing presence that put everyone at ease and encouraged the creative process. He will be dearly missed.”
Parker, 47 years old, was a native of Newark. He learned to play the bass guitar at 14, and he accumulated a diverse and impressive list of credits throughout his life, including tours and performances as a band member/gospel musician with Michael Bolton, Ray Charles, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Alvin Darling and Celebration, Rev. Stefanie Minatee and her Jubilation Choir, Vickie Winans, and many more.
Parker joined School of Rock Montclair as a bass guitar teacher in 2012. He’s survived by Robin, his wife of 30 years; his son Rave; his daughter India; his father Charles; his grandfather Frank; his brothers Jermaine and Rashawn; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Featured at the memorial concert will be performances by Parker’s students; School of Rock Montclair faculty members; School of Rock Montclair’s House Band; students who participated in School of Rock Montclair’s Hip Hop and R&B performance program; and No Noise, a teen band comprised of School of Rock Montclair students.
School of Rock Montclair’s Memorial Concert for Kevin Parker
Sunday, March 1 from 1 pm – 5 pm
Just Jake’s, 30 Park Street, Montclair, NJ, 07042
Admission will be free. Donations of any amount can be made at the door.There will be a raffle and silent auction for products and services that have been donated by local businesses.