VH1 Save the Music Foundation hosted its first Musically Mastered Menu event of the year at Solage Colistoga in Napa Valley on January 28.
The sold-out event boasted plenty of entertainment including tunes from San Francisco-based singer/songwriter Matt Nathanson along with a special menu created by Michelin-starred Chef Brandon Sharp, who is also the head chef of the Napa-based restaurant.
The goal of the Musically Mastered Menu events is to bring awareness to the importance of music and education, Chris McCarthy, general manager of VH1, told the Napa Valley Register.
“We’re excited to expand the program this year to new artistic and culinary meccas and put new genres on both the menu and the stage, because what goes better together than music and food?” he added.
Musically Mastered Menu connects the music and culinary worlds for intimate evenings with the goal of raising funds and awareness to restore music programs in public schools across America. VH1 Save the Music kicked off its efforts 19 years ago and continues to support creative expression in the US educational system.
Last week’s event raised more than $15,000 in proceeds to provide two pianos to a local school.
“We were excited to support this worthy cause,” Sharp told the Napa Valley publication. “And I am also stoked to work with Matt — his music is inspiring.”
Sharp designed his menu based on Nathanson’s hit songs including “Adrenaline,” “Headphones,” “All We Are,” Giants,” “Come On Get Higher” and “Bill Murray.” Chef’s delectable three-course menu included Lake Pontchartrain blue crab, loin and shoulder of Emigh’s lamb and a sugar pie pumpkin cheesecake.
During breaks in his performance, Nathanson discussed how important music education is for children and told the crowd that it personally saved his life.
“The world was super beautiful and magical when you had a soundtrack to it,” added Nathanson.
In 2015, VH1 Save the Music donated more 1,305 instruments to schools across the country. These donations improved the lives of 3,900 students and secured the jobs of 53 teachers. Since 1997, the organization donated more than $52 million in instruments to 1,964 schools in 233 districts across America.
More Musically Mastered Menu events are set to take place in additional locations across the country later this year. Stay linked to Save the Music for details.