Common and Biz Markie co-headlined a benefit for CPS music education programs at Chicago’s Hard Rock Cafe Monday night. Musicology 101 raised money for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. The event was backed by Microsoft, which donated $15,000 to the cause.

Chicago Public Schools has made national news this year with a soaring rate of violence. Common sees a potential link between the violence and the decreasing number of arts classes.

I think music programs would allow the kids to release some of the stress and the pain they may be experiencing,” he said. “And we know that in the Chicago Public schools and in Chicago as a whole, we need that healing.”

Posted by Mike Denslow at Apr 07, 2009 05:11 PM