Steven and Maureen Van Zandt to be honored at Rockit gala

Steven and Maureen Van Zandt (in white, next to him) are shown at a Rockit event at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank in 2014. They will be honored at the Rockit Live Foundation gala, Sept. 25.

The inaugural gala of the Rockit Live Foundation, dedicated to music education, will honor E Street Band member Steven Van Zandt and his wife Maureen, and “feature live musical performances from the young Rockit musicians, Steven Van Zandt, and special guests,” according to a press release. The benefit dinner will take place Sept. 25 at Buona Sera Palazzo Banquet Hall in Ocean Township.

The Van Zandts are artists advisory board members of Rockit, which offers classes and performing opportunities at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. “The Voice” alumna Jacquie Lee received training through Rockit, as have musicians who have gone on to perform with artists such as Keith Urban and Steve Vai.

The Van Zandts are also on the board of trustees and directors of the Count Basie Theatre. Maureen Van Zandt is an actor, dancer, choreographer, director and producer; she and Steven will co-produce an upcoming Broadway production of the jukebox musical, “Piece of My Heart: The Bert Berns Story” (Steven will also serve as usical director).

Gala tickets are $200 ($100 for Rockit musicians and alumni, and children 12 and younger). For information, visit rockitacademy.org.