Gary Santos – EastProv Hospitality, May 2026
EastProv Hospitality was fortunate to attend and cover the 14th Annual Kids Rock Chorus on Friday evening, May 29th, at East Providence High School, where a near-capacity crowd of family members, friends, educators, and community supporters gathered to celebrate one of the city’s most unique and inspiring music programs.
Founded by East Providence music educators Nick Hurd and Taylor Temple, the Kids Rock Chorus has become a much-anticipated annual tradition, bringing together fourth and fifth grade students from Waddington, Kent Heights, and Hennessey Elementary Schools to perform contemporary and classic rock songs in a way that is both educational and entertaining.
The evening was emceed by East Providence City Councilman and longtime local musician Rick Lawson, whose enthusiasm and appreciation for the arts helped set the tone for a celebration of student achievement throughout the night.
The concert opened with a spirited performance by Waddington Elementary School, followed by sets featuring students from Kent Heights and Hennessey. Throughout the evening, the young performers displayed remarkable confidence, enthusiasm, and musicianship while taking on an impressive and diverse selection of songs.
Among the many selections performed were “Politik” by Coldplay, “Stargazing” by Myles Smith, “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins, and “Mysterious Ways” by U2. The wide-ranging setlist showcased the program’s unique ability to introduce students to music spanning multiple generations while delivering an engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
The highlight of the evening came during the grand finale when students from all three schools joined together on stage for a powerful rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” With well over a hundred young voices performing as one, the finale brought the audience to its feet and provided a fitting conclusion to a remarkable night.
More than just a concert, the Kids Rock Chorus continues to demonstrate the power of music education and the positive impact it has on young students. Fourteen years after its founding, the program remains a shining example of what can happen when dedicated educators, supportive families, and talented students come together to create something truly special.
EastProv Hospitality congratulates all of the students, teachers, volunteers, and families who helped make this year’s Kids Rock Chorus another resounding success!
Follow the Kids Rock Chorus on social media at www.facebook.com/epkidsrock
