AXS TV and Spectrum announced today a partnership with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus (www.lennonbus.org) to sponsor the mobile music and video recording experience as it makes stops at three schools across the country, as part of the ongoing AXS TV Band Together For Music Education initiative.
Since its inception in 2022, Band Together For Music Education has effectively connected AXS TV with affiliates, local communities, and schools nationwide, in support of vital music education programs. Despite the vast benefits they offer students, music education programs often experience a severe lack of funding. AXS TV’s Band Together strives to rectify this by providing crucial resources to underserved music programs that best exemplify quality instruction, participation, and leadership. Music educators use the grants to repair instruments, buy equipment and uniforms, and purchase music, among other necessary materials.
To date, with Spectrum’s support and assistance, AXS TV’s Band Together has awarded a combined total of $160,000 in grants to 24 schools across 20 cities.
Building on that strong foundation, AXS TV is expanding its Band Together initiative in an effort to reach even more students. In addition to presenting select schools and organizations in areas served by Spectrum with $10,000 grants, AXS TV and Spectrum are sponsoring the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus to visit each recipient location—providing students with an exclusive, one-of-a-kind experience that will fully immerse them in several different facets of the creative arts. As part of AXS TV’s Band Together initiative, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is currently slated to visit the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center in Los Angeles on September 19; followed by N.Y.C. LAB School For Collaborative Studies on October 9; and the James Whitcomb Riley School 43 in Indianapolis on a date soon to be announced.
Each stop will be a true celebration of music, encouraging students to embrace the arts with a day of fun and festivities. These presentations will also feature appearances from special guests and local leaders, who will be on-hand to show their support. California State Senators Steven Bradford (35th District) and Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (28th District), Los Angeles Councilwoman Heather Hutt (10th District), Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (2nd District) and legendary bass player Verdine White from Earth, Wind & Fire are confirmed to attend the Los Angeles event on September 19. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine is attending the New York event on October 9. Other guests and dignitaries will be announced at a later date.
“AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education has left an indelible mark on young and aspiring musicians throughout America—instilling confidence and creativity, and helping cultivate invaluable skills, techniques, and habits that can last a lifetime,” said AXS TV President Andy Schuon. “This year, we are proud to expand this initiative by partnering with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus to bring incredible music experiences to even more students. Their mission is a perfect complement to our own, as they tirelessly strive to keep the spirit of music alive for future generations via dynamic and hands-on activities, empowering students to dig in to the wide breadth of creative and career opportunities that the industry and artform have to offer.”
Founded by Yoko Ono and Brian Rothschild in 1998, the Lennon Bus drives John Lennon’s powerful legacy into the future. Visiting schools, universities, and colleges in underserved communities across the United States and with another Lennon Bus in Europe, this dynamic mobile experience delivers unique opportunities where young people can learn invaluable music skills and participate in a hands-on audio, video, and digital media project using the Bus’ state-of-the-art gear, equipment and technology. Young people have the unique opportunity to write and record an original composition and shoot their own music video with guidance from the experienced on-board Bus engineers– all in one day. Tours cater to a wide array of media and creation, and are designed to also expose students to exciting career paths in the arts. Students have worked alongside celebrities who have also recorded on the Bus.
“Spectrum’s partnership with AXS TV and the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus enriches the educational opportunities for students in these communities,” said Adam Falk, Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs for Spectrum. “By supporting the Band Together For Music Education initiative, we are giving more students access to high-quality music programs to explore their creative potential. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have on students nationwide.”
Lennon Bus programs have served hundreds of thousands of students around the world with events, workshops, and interactive experiences completely free of charge. The Bus houses a three-person crew of producers/engineers, who help facilitate unforgettable programs for groups big and small, working together to inspire the next generation to collaborate, create, and Imagine Peace.
About AXS TV
AXS TV is a leading television, streaming, digital, and social music and entertainment brand owned and operated by Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc. AXS TV’s programming celebrates music’s rich history and keeps its audience current on what’s happening in music today with non-fiction docs, live concerts, music news and information, reality shows, and well known programs including The Big Interview with Dan Rather and The Top Ten Revealed. AXS TV is also home to TNA Wrestling, one of the world’s top wrestling brands. Multi-platform AXS TV is available on television in all 50 states and across Canada, parts of the Caribbean, and streaming through its FAST (free-ad-supported-streaming television) channel. AXS TV has a vast reach on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. For a full list of providers and territories, please visit axs.tv/subscribe.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator with services available to more than 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise® provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The Company also distributes award-winning news coverage and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
About the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus:
The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is the premiere non-profit mobile recording facility that provides hands-on experiences for students of all ages. In its 27th year of touring, the Lennon Bus features a Dolby Atmos studio with the latest audio and video technology, gear and products. The concept began as an offshoot of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, dedicated to providing opportunities for both professional and amateur songwriters around the world; proceeds from which help support the Lennon Bus. The Lennon Bus travels across the U.S. and Canada year-round, providing free tours and workshops at schools, colleges and universities, festivals, on tours with headlining artists, and at major industry conferences. Lennon Bus Europe began providing these same opportunities to the young people of Europe when it launched in Liverpool, UK in May 2013. The Lennon Bus is made possible by Yoko Ono Lennon and the following sponsors and contributors: Apple, Inc., The Dolby Institute, Battle Born Batteries, NAMM Foundation, Westlake Pro, Gibson Gives, Audio-Technica, Genelec, Apogee, Roland, Epiphone, Triple G Ventures, Triad-Orbit, Reason Studios, Solid State Logic, Neutrik, Blackmagic Design, Grace Design, Avid, Universal Audio, and Flock Audio.
