Tag: PR Newswire

Established through the ongoing partnership between Universal Music Group and nonprofit REVERB, the “Universal Music Group x REVERB Amplifier Award” honors artists who have consistently used their music and platform to drive meaningful, positive change

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Three-time Grammy^® award-winning artist Olivia Rodrigo has been named the recipient of the fourth annual Universal Music Group x REVERB Amplifier Award, recognizing her outstanding commitment to driving positive change through her music, platform, and direct engagement with fans. The award was presented at Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2026 Music is Universal Artist Showcase, one of the most anticipated events during music’s biggest weekend.

Created to spotlight artists who meaningfully use their voice and reach to drive positive change, the Universal Music Group x REVERB Amplifier Award celebrates those who go beyond awareness to inspire real-world action. Rodrigo joins a growing legacy of artists recognized for integrating purpose into their artistry and fan communities.

The award was presented by Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, and Lauren Sullivan and Adam Gardner, Co-Founders and Co-Executive Directors of REVERB — the leading organization driving environmental sustainability across the music industry, mobilizing millions of music fans to take action, and amplifying social and environmental nonprofit campaigns through the cultural power of music.

“Receiving the UMG x Reverb Amplifier Award is an incredible honor, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made this moment possible—Sir Lucian, Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team, John Janick and the team at Interscope. This award is an important reminder in the belief that artists can be a force for real, lasting change,” said Olivia Rodrigo. “Music has always been about more than sound. It’s about connection. It’s about telling the truth. And it’s about showing up for one another, especially when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Now, more than ever, in Minneapolis, and around the world, our platforms, no matter the size, can amplify more than our own voices.”

The Amplifier Award reflects the expanded partnership between Universal Music Group and REVERB. Together, the partnership underscores a shared belief that artists have a unique ability to mobilize communities and create positive change onstage, online, and beyond.

“Olivia represents the very best of what this award stands for: the courage to turn influence into action,” said Susan Mazo, Chief Impact Officer/Executive VP, Universal Music Group. She leads with an authenticity that resonates far beyond the music, inspiring a generation to move with purpose. It is an honor to recognize her as our Amplifier Award recipient.”

“When we started this work in 2004, sustainability and social activism in music were the exception, not the expectation,” said Lauren Sullivan, Co-Founder of REVERB. “With this fourth Amplifier Award, we’re seeing how that’s changing. Olivia Rodrigo reflects that shift in how artists are bringing other facets of who they are to the forefront, and her work is ensuring that an equitable and just future for women and girls is possible.”

The presentation of the Amplifier Award at Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2026 Artist Showcase reinforces music’s most celebrated weekend as not only a recognition of artistic excellence but also a platform for leadership, responsibility, and collective action within the global music community.

Universal Music Group Chairman & CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge’s Music Is Universal 2026 Artist Showcase took place on Saturday Jan 31, 2026 at NYA Studios in Los Angeles, CA.

About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group exists to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. For more information, visit www.universalmusic.com.

About REVERB
REVERB is the music industry’s leading sustainability partner. For more than 20 years, the nonprofit has harnessed the cultural power of music to drive real-world change. Founded in 2004 by environmentalist Lauren Sullivan and Guster frontman Adam Gardner, REVERB has partnered with festivals, venues, industry leaders and hundreds of artists across all genres, including Billie Eilish, Dave Matthews Band, Lorde, Dead & Company, Tyler Childers, Tame Impala, Jack Johnson, and many more. Together with REVERB, they’ve greened thousands of concerts, eliminated millions of single-use plastic bottles, mobilized 8.5 million fan actions for nonprofits, brought large-scale clean energy solutions to live music, and raised $26 million for environmental and social causes. With its 360-degree model — from backstage operations and touring logistics to fan engagement and stewarding funds on behalf of partners  — REVERB makes it easy for artists and the music industry to reduce their footprint, while amplifying their collective voice for a healthier planet. Learn more at http://reverb.org.

Photos: Lester Cohen/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
Click HERE for Images.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/olivia-rodrigo-receives-the-fourth-annual-universal-music-group-x-reverb-amplifier-award-302675683.html

SOURCE Universal Music Group

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Capstone LLC, a leading policy analysis and investment research firm, has released its energy sector preview for 2026, identifying key policy and regulatory developments expected to impact mergers and acquisitions, agriculture, telecommunications infrastructure, and state and local government finances.

Capstone expects the Trump administration to maintain a permissive stance on merger reviews, with most transactions approved unless they pose clear competitive harm. The Republican-led Federal Communications Commission will continue deregulation and welcome consolidation, anticipating a surge in broadcast media and broadband mergers through 2027.

US agriculture faces a challenging year as farmers contend with weak crop prices, elevated input costs, and trade uncertainty. The administration’s push to narrow SNAP eligibility through new work requirements introduces risks for grocers and packaged-food companies, with limited federal relief expected.

State and local budgets will face mounting pressure from underperforming tax revenue and federal funding cuts. States opposed to Trump policies—including California, New York, and Illinois—face the highest risk of having transit, climate, and disaster relief grants withheld. All states will suffer if Congress fails to reauthorize the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by October 2026.

Please access the following links to read Capstone’s outlook on developments for 2026:

Mergers & Acquisitions

Broadcast Media

State and Local Governments

Agriculture

For more information contact Daniel Kruger by phone at (917) 566-8220 or E-mail: news@capstonedc.com

About Capstone
Capstone is a leading global policy analysis and regulatory due diligence firm with locations in Washington, DC, New York, Houston, London, Paris, Mumbai, and Sydney. As developments in Washington, London, Brussels, and other centers of government become more crucial to investment strategies, legislation, regulatory reforms, and new federal oversight are affecting industries in evolving ways. We advise institutional investors and companies on how changes in state, federal, and international policy impact investments. Capstone has established leading coverage of public policy investments affecting financial and business services, energy and environment, healthcare, national security, TMT, and more. Our professionals analyze policy to uncover risks, opportunities and, in the process, unique business and investment strategies for our clients.

Contact: Daniel Kruger, Capstone
Phone: 202-350-4700
Email: news@capstonedc.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/capstone-llc-releases-2026-special-situations-outlook-green-light-for-ma-activity-agricultural-pressures-and-state-budget-constraints-to-shape-cross-sector-dynamics-302675591.html

SOURCE CAPSTONE LLC

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Capstone LLC, a leading policy analysis and investment research firm, has released its energy sector preview for 2026, identifying key policy and regulatory developments expected to impact mergers and acquisitions, agriculture, telecommunications infrastructure, and state and local government finances.

Capstone expects the Trump administration to maintain a permissive stance on merger reviews, with most transactions approved unless they pose clear competitive harm. The Republican-led Federal Communications Commission will continue deregulation and welcome consolidation, anticipating a surge in broadcast media and broadband mergers through 2027.

US agriculture faces a challenging year as farmers contend with weak crop prices, elevated input costs, and trade uncertainty. The administration’s push to narrow SNAP eligibility through new work requirements introduces risks for grocers and packaged-food companies, with limited federal relief expected.

State and local budgets will face mounting pressure from underperforming tax revenue and federal funding cuts. States opposed to Trump policies—including California, New York, and Illinois—face the highest risk of having transit, climate, and disaster relief grants withheld. All states will suffer if Congress fails to reauthorize the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by October 2026.

Please access the following links to read Capstone’s outlook on developments for 2026:

Mergers & Acquisitions

Broadcast Media

State and Local Governments

Agriculture

For more information contact Daniel Kruger by phone at (917) 566-8220 or E-mail: news@capstonedc.com

About Capstone
Capstone is a leading global policy analysis and regulatory due diligence firm with locations in Washington, DC, New York, Houston, London, Paris, Mumbai, and Sydney. As developments in Washington, London, Brussels, and other centers of government become more crucial to investment strategies, legislation, regulatory reforms, and new federal oversight are affecting industries in evolving ways. We advise institutional investors and companies on how changes in state, federal, and international policy impact investments. Capstone has established leading coverage of public policy investments affecting financial and business services, energy and environment, healthcare, national security, TMT, and more. Our professionals analyze policy to uncover risks, opportunities and, in the process, unique business and investment strategies for our clients.

Contact: Daniel Kruger, Capstone
Phone: 202-350-4700
Email: news@capstonedc.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/capstone-llc-releases-2026-special-situations-outlook-green-light-for-ma-activity-agricultural-pressures-and-state-budget-constraints-to-shape-cross-sector-dynamics-302675591.html

SOURCE CAPSTONE LLC

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

Donation helps hospitalized students stay on track academically

PHOENIX, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When Justin Ramirez was diagnosed with leukemia at age 13, his days quickly filled with hospital rooms, IV medications and long stretches of treatment at Phoenix Children’s. In the middle of all of it, one thing helped him feel like himself again: school.

To support that sense of normalcy for children like Ramirez, Desert Financial Foundation and Desert Financial Credit Union donated $1.425 million to the 1 Darn Cool School at Phoenix Children’s during a special ceremony Thursday, Jan. 29. The fully accredited K-12 program provides bedside and classroom instruction to any school-aged kids, both in-patient and out-patient receiving care at Phoenix Children’s.

Each year, more than 2,000 children benefit from the program. Eight master’s-level teachers help students stay on track academically while maintaining routine, connection and hope during hospital stays and visits to outpatient facilities.

Ramirez became a 1 Darn Cool School student shortly after his diagnosis in November 2024, spending months in the hospital and continuing treatment through clinic visits multiple times a week in 2025. Teachers worked with him during admissions, infusions and recovery periods to help him complete coursework, earn credits and promote from eighth grade to begin high school in person in January 2026.

“They helped me with my school credits, because to be able to graduate you need enough credits,” Ramirez said. “They would first focus on my schoolwork, and if I needed help, they were always there.”

Ramirez’s experience reflects the mission of 1 Darn Cool School: bringing structure, connection and familiar routines to children whose time is shaped by medical care. During his hospital stays, teachers met with Ramirez in a shared classroom space when he felt well enough or at his bedside when he didn’t.

“It made me feel free because you could go outside your room instead of feeling isolated,” Ramirez said. “They would sit next to you at your bed, and that made me feel like a regular, normal human being.”

Ramirez worked closely with Lydia Smith, a 1 Darn Cool School teacher who helped coordinate with his home school, adapt lessons and advocate for his academic progress while he underwent treatment.

“1 Darn Cool School brings a sense of normalcy into a not-so-normal time for patients,” Smith said. “We are able to be the bridge between school and hospital and ensure that patients are still engaged with their education. That sense of consistency can be a beacon of hope.”

Desert Financial Executive Vice President Ron Amstutz said supporting that bridge is at the heart of the credit union’s long-standing partnership with the program.

“As a credit union founded by teachers, education is part of who we are,” Amstutz said. “This commitment ensures children receiving care at Phoenix Children’s can continue learning, stay connected to their peers and focus on their future, even during the hardest moments of their young lives.”

1 Darn Cool School is fully funded by contributions from Desert Financial Foundation, Desert Financial Credit Union, its members and its employees.

The $1.425 million donation is part of a five-year, $5 million commitment to 1 Darn Cool School announced by Desert Financial in 2024. With this year’s gift, the credit union has reached 70% of its fundraising goal in just two years.

“Desert Financial Credit Union’s generosity continues to open doors of possibility for the children and families we serve,” said Tim Harrison, vice president, corporate partnerships, special events & grant philanthropy at Phoenix Children’s. “Their commitment to 1 Darn Cool School ensures that every patient can stay connected to their education and their future. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and for the heart they bring to our mission year after year.”

1 Darn Cool School supports patients with individualized instruction that helps them remain on grade level so they can more easily reintegrate into their schools when treatment allows.

For Ramirez, that support made it possible to return to school alongside his peers after more than a year of hospital-based learning.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know more people and being social again,” he said. “They helped me get here.”

# # #

About 1 Darn Cool School
The 1 Darn Cool School is a fully accredited K-12 school with eight full-time master’s level teachers. The program provides patients at Phoenix Children’s with a traditional classroom setting or bedside instruction to learn, play and discover while receiving medical treatment.

About Desert Financial Foundation
Founded in 2015, Desert Financial Foundation supports organizations and individuals in Arizona to strengthen financial capability through education and scholarships.

To learn more about how Desert Financial Foundation gives back or donate, visit DesertFinancial.com/Foundation.

About Desert Financial Credit Union
For over 85 years, Desert Financial has been Arizona’s most trusted local credit union with over $9 billion in assets, 500,000+ members and over 50 branches. Membership eligibility is open across Arizona with contactless solutions making it easy to click, call or come in. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2025, members received $16 million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus. Desert Financial is the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University® and the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/desert-financial-donates-1-425-million-to-phoenix-childrens-1-darn-cool-school-302675489.html

SOURCE Desert Financial Credit Union