Programs and History

The Music Grant Program

Launched in 2016, the Grant Program directly supports students who are pursuing their music dreams and education and are in need of assistance. This exciting new program continues the Foundation's tradition of working with and providing access to music for talented young people.

The Holiday Jam

A joyous 25-year tradition that provides opportunities for young musicians to perform with guests who have included Dionne Warwick, Carlos Santana, Sammy Hagar, Martha Reeves, Tom Johnston, Clarence Clemmons, David Grisman, and many others. Young people play key roles in all areas of performance and production, including sound engineering and video recording. 

Mentoring Emerging Young Artists

More than 500 students have performed in our events and/or worked with Narada and his talented production team.  One example is The Singer’s Experience a program where students develop their talents by studying important artists past and present.  A highlight of this program was the first Spring Fling with Strings concert where 15 young singers learned, and then performed, the music of the legendary Billie Holiday.

Performing Stars of Marin

For more than 18 years Narada and the Foundation have provided mentoring, instruments and performance opportunities to the children of Performing Stars, an organization that provides training in dance, music, and social skills to under served children. In 2012, the Foundation presented snare drums and provided drum lessons to the young musicians who then performed at the 16th Annual Holiday Jam.

Academy of Art University

In partnership with AAU, a private art school founded in San Francisco in 1929, we facilitated the awarding of scholarships to the University’s pre-College Summer Art Program for several years.  Eight high school students received summer scholarships, with three subsequently earning 4-year scholarships to the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Program.

Let the Sunshine In Concert

In 2009, we partnered with more than 100 artists to produce a benefit at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco for Christopher Rodriguez and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Christopher, a talented 12-year-old piano student attending Oakland School of the Arts, was the victim of gun violence.

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

In 2009, the Foundation donated a $10,000 percussion scholarship to the Conservatory and featured their 50-piece orchestra in the Foundation’s 2009 Let the Sunshine In Concert at Davies Symphony Hall.

Marin School of the Arts

Since 2011, the Foundation has mentored young MSA musicians at this arts academy within Novato High School. We have sponsored drum clinics, individual instruction, and performance opportunities and have partnered with MSA in fundraising benefits.

Harbor Point Charitable Foundation

In 2012 and 2013, we partnered with Harbor Point and the Marin School of the Arts to present the Divine Wine Extravaganza with proceeds benefiting organizations increasing the quality of life for Bay Area children.