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James Durbin recently performed at a benefit concert in support of the Rock School Scholarship Fund, a non-profit group that funds music lessons and provides instruments for kids 7-17 who want to attend any rock school nationwide, but whose parents don't have the financial means.

Durbin was joined by Alice Cooper guitarist Orianthi at the event, as the two performed with student bands.

Covers included Dio’s “Rainbow In The Dark” and Journey’s “Separate Ways,” while James joined Burbank music Academy band NINE for a version of “Stand Up,” the current single from his debut, “Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster.”

A silent auction helped raise funds for the project; among the items up for grabs were a PRS SE Orianthi Red Sparkle Guitar signed by Orianthi, a Fender Squire Special Edition Guitar signed by James Durbin, an autographed R.E.M. drumhead, a private guitar lesson with new music artist Erica Chase, and two VIP meet-and-greet tickets to any Todd Rundgren concert.

"If it weren't for music scholarships I wouldn't have been able to learn what I know now," said James. "I play music because it's what I love to do and every single kid that I met at the event had that same fire. I'm so happy I got to do this because it reminds me to have fun. Playing with those kids brought my fire back. The fire that made me want to be a singer in the first place. A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to the Rock School Scholarship Fund, the teachers, all the kids and to anyone and everyone who supports this great cause."

For more information about the Rock School Scholarship Fund, go to RockSchoolFund.org.

James Durbin – Rainbow In The Dark
Original by Dio
Rock School Scholarship Fund benefit
Center Staging – Burbank, CA – March 2, 2012