Chili Peppers' Chad Smith In Washington

"Right now, music education is in jeopardy, and they have the power to change it and do something good here for everybody and every kid. If I didn't have music education in school, I probably would have ended up in jail or dead. And instead I ended up in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" said Smith. 

He will join jazz guitarist Bernie Williams on behalf of the National Association of Music Merchants to call for a greater music presence in schools, which is often the first department to see reduced budgets in a time of economic strain.they would also like to see music given the same attention and recognition as sports. 

Smith also plans to release an album with indie-rock band Outernational later this year, and will begin work on a new Red hot Chili Peppers record in September. His next gig, however, is backing a West Virginia middle school band in Washington. 

(Rolling Stone)