Rock and roll hall of famer and music industry trailblazer since the ‘50s, Mo Ostin deserves to knock back some champagne. This Friday brings this years’ edition of the annual [Silverlake Conservatory of Music Benefit](http://silverlakeconservatory.org/benefit-music-art/), which will highlight the career of Ostin while joining blue-chip artists, comedian / podcaster Marc Maron, and a superabundance of musical talent together to support the Conservatory’s righteous mission to bring music to underserved kids.
Mo has been supporting the Conservatory since RHCP bassist Flea began the project back in 2001, and is a renowned chief philanthropist for arts and education. Mo’s love for music extends beyond funk rock—from the classical notes of Sinatra to the pop chords of Prince, Mo has done it all and still wanted, well, mo’. Comedian and actor Marc Maron will MC the event that has seen the likes of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Owen Wilson, Randy Newman, and Cindy Crawford, in the past among many others. Various artists, such as Cecily Brown, Charming Baker, and Ed Ruscha, will be donating pieces to be auctioned off, and musical performances from k.d. lang, Lindsey Buckingham, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will keep those champagne glasses vibrating.
The Siverlake Conservatory’s mission to facilitate a dynamic music education and teach beginning and accomplished musicians of all skill levels, just spoke sweet melodies to Mo. Christening its second year at their Hollywood Blvd. location, the Conservatory remains an important community resource and hub for arts and music education in a city that continuously births new pop culture at every turn. The non-profit organization focuses their efforts on lower income families and students interested in music education, hosting 800 music lessons per week and operating a Summer Camp program.
In an interview he did in 1994 for the Los Angeles Times Mo said, "To me, the artist is the person who should be in the foreground.” On Friday, Mo will be outstaged only by the best of causes.
I’ll raise a glass of champagne to that.
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All images from Gary Leonard, Courtesy of Silverlake Conservatory of Music
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