What began as a spontaneous concert in 1993 has grown into one of Broadway’s most enduring traditions. Rockers On Broadway®—the flagship event that inspired the founding of The PATH Fund, Inc.®—continues to blend performance, philanthropy, and pure rock energy in a way that’s distinctly its own.
The Moment That Started It All
It all began when Pete Townshend of The Who invited actor Donnie Kehr, then performing in The Who’s Tommy on Broadway, to give his cast a taste of what “real rock & roll feels like.” Donnie pulled together the Tommy orchestra, invited castmates to perform, and joined Townshend, Joe Walsh, Linda Perry, and Eddie Vedder on stage at the China Club for one unforgettable night.
At the end of the show, Donnie and Pete decided to donate the proceeds to charity—and with that gesture, a legacy began. Rockers On Broadway was born not only from the energy of live music but from a belief that artists could use that energy to create change.
A Legacy of Collaboration
For more than thirty years, Rockers On Broadway has been the place where Broadway performers live out their rock star dreams and rock legends share the stage with new voices. It’s where artistry meets generosity, and where music becomes a bridge between generations.
When producer Cori Gardner joined Kehr in 2006, the partnership took the concert to new heights. Within a year, The PATH Fund—Performing Artists That Help—was officially founded, formalizing a mission rooted in mentorship, opportunity, and creative collaboration.
Each Rockers On Broadway concert has its own distinct personality, celebrating the icons and eras that have shaped popular music. The event has honored the sound of Motown with Berry Gordy, paid tribute to the ‘80s with Debbie Gibson, and spotlighted legendary women songwriters through She Rocks. Over the years, honorees from Frankie Valli to Melissa Etheridge have joined the lineup, proving that Rockers is as much about community as it is about music.
Setting Sail on a New Era
This year’s 32nd edition, taking place on October 27, sets sail with a Yacht Rock theme—a night of smooth harmonies and breezy vibes designed to bring joy in uncertain times. The concert will honor arena rock pioneers Jefferson Starship with the Rock Legend Award and celebrate Chris Stewart as Ambassador of Rock.
Beyond the nostalgia, the evening reaffirms what Rockers On Broadway has always stood for: the power of performance to connect, uplift, and sustain the creative community.
Fueling a Movement
That single night of music fuels nearly all of The PATH Fund’s annual programming. The concert supports initiatives like Rockers on the Rise, a mentorship platform for emerging performers; PATH Productions, which develops new works; and R.O.B. Records, a collaboration with Jazzheads that helps artists record and release original music.
The newest release, Rockers On Broadway: LIVE Volume 2, captures that same spark, pairing Broadway talent with young singers who have come up through PATH’s mentorship programs. Among them is high school senior Reese Rehl, who reflected that when she first joined Rockers, she was used to performing behind a character or a script. “Through PATH and Rockers,” she shared, “I learned how to lead with confidence and stay grounded when everything felt unpredictable.” That shift, she says, helped her discover a more honest voice as an artist—one that now guides every performance she gives.
Creating Access, Building Futures
Through its partnership with Broadway Bound Kids, The PATH Fund has helped provide tuition-free arts education for students across all five boroughs. In 2022, they launched BBK Rocks, a free three-week pop and rock performance intensive for middle and high schoolers. For many participants—especially those from underrepresented communities or families living near the poverty line—it’s their first time stepping into a rehearsal room, holding a microphone, and seeing themselves as artists.
Lizzie McGuire, Executive Director of Broadway Bound Kids, says The PATH Fund’s support has been nothing short of transformative. “They were one of the first foundations to believe in our mission,” she explains, “and their partnership has changed what’s possible for our students.” Many of those students now speak about how performing has changed them from the inside out. One young participant, Myriam, shared that being part of the program taught her she could do anything—no matter what anyone told her—and that when she’s performing, she feels “courageous and confident.”
A Bridge Between Generations
For PATH Fund’s founders and community of artists, Rockers On Broadway represents a bridge between Broadway and the next generation. Fans who come to see the legends often leave talking about the emerging performers they’ve just discovered. Each concert becomes a launchpad for new talent and a meeting point for creative worlds that rarely collide.
