Newsroom – California State University, Northridge

Performers to ‘Rock the House’ in Support of CSUN’s Lab School

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Jul. 2nd, 2010) ―

Indie rock bands Fight From Above, Lava Diva and Nellie Bly might seem more comfortable in the smoke-filled recesses of such clubs as Spaceland or the Silverlake Lounge. But on Sunday, July 18, they are joining forces with other Los Angeles area musicians to draw attention to the importance of quality early childhood education.

Musician Robert Grashaw and bands For College, Sean Hughes, Fight From Above, The Absolute, Lava Diva and Nellie Bly will be taking part in a fundraiser for Cal State Northridge’s acclaimed Child and Family Studies Center. The music is expected to start at 7 p.m. at the Guitar Merchant, 7503 Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Canoga Park.

Christa Dunlap, director of operations for the Child and Family Studies Center, said she was grateful for the support from the bands.

“This effort was driven by the young women who are part of our staff who wanted to do something for the school,” Dunlap said. “It’s wonderful that the members of these bands are willing to give of their time and talents to do something for our kids.”

Tickets for the show are $10, with the proceeds going to support CSUN’s Child and Family Studies Center Laboratory School. The school serves preschool and kindergarten children. The school and center are part of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and are dedicated to fostering a partnership with each child’s family. The school also serves as a learning environment for CSUN students interested in working with children.

Johnny Beralla, a member of Lava Diva, has two children who attended the Laboratory School. She said her children’s experiences at the school underscored for her the importance of a quality early childhood center.

“With the budget situation being the way it is, we are very concerned, both as parents and as members of the community, that the program at CSUN continue,” she said. “The budget crisis forced the school to cut its nutrition and lunch programs, and we don’t want to see any more cuts.”

For more information about the July 18 show, call the Child and Family Studies Center at (818) 677-3131.

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