The University of South Carolina School of Music, in collaboration with the USC Music Industry Studies program, is gearing up for an extraordinary evening of music and philanthropy with the highly anticipated Rockin’ Resolutions Fundraiser. Scheduled for January 7 at The Senate in Columbia, the event isn’t just about a night of sensational performances; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of music industry education.

Renowned singer/songwriter Angie Aparo, known for his chart-topping hits, including Faith Hill’s ‘Cry,’ will take center stage alongside the exceptional talents of Tony McMahon, a prominent lead guitarist, and USC Music Dean, Tayloe Harding. Together, they will create a fantastic performance as ‘Angie Aparo with The Dean and the Boys.’

The evening begins with performances by Music Industry Studies students at 7 p.m., followed by a captivating showcase featuring Angie Aparo, Tony McMahon, Dean Tayloe Harding, and their bandmates Craig Butterfield, Brendan Bull, Joe Mathien and Scott Herring  at 8:30 p.m. Attendees can anticipate a lineup filled with Aparo’s greatest hits and an assortment of rock-and-roll classics.

“Making music again with Angie Aparo and Tony McMahon is an incredible thrill. Reuniting for the first time in 20 years, we grew up together playing 70s classic rock covers in a great garage band in high school in Florida years ago called Phoenix, and we even got our start songwriting in those days. Angie and Tony have continued to perform and write songs and make careers, and the rest of us in Phoenix pursued different paths, but all music and the arts,” says Dean Harding. “Joining together again, this time with both faculty and alums of the USC School of Music, to fill out the band at Rockin’ Resolutions to benefit our outstanding young Music Industry studies program and its fantastic students and supportive faculty is both a joy and an honor. Sunday night, January 7, will be an unforgettable night for all of us.”

What makes this event truly special is its purpose: supporting the USC Music Industry Studies program. The fundraiser aims to bolster this educational initiative, emphasizing the enrichment fund that benefits students directly. Through generous contributions, attendees will be aiding the program in providing invaluable experiences beyond the classroom.

Instructor and Coordinator of the Music Industry Studies Program, Jeremy Polley, says the money raised by the concert will impact the program’s enrichment fund. 

Events like Rockin’ Resolutions allow the Music Industry Studies program to provide our students with low-to-no-cost access to unique learning opportunities that will prepare them for a wide range of careers in the music industry.

– Jeremy Polley,  instructor and coordinator, Music Industry Studies

“The MIS program has been so important in helping me develop knowledge both in and outside the classroom. On-hand experiences, such as being an intern at multiple Danny Wimmer Presents festivals and going to NAMM, helped me apply things I learned in the classroom to real life, network with amazing industry professionals, and build my skills as a new member of the music industry,” says senior Alex Fowler.

MIS student Drew Michalak agrees. He says out-of-classroom experiences and guest speakers provided by the program will prepare him for a professional career in the music industry.

“Outside donations will only help our students continue to provide music to this community and boost us towards being future leaders in the industry,” adds Michalak.

Aside from the performances, the event will also feature an exciting silent auction, adding another layer of entertainment and an avenue for charitable contributions. The auction includes VIP passes to Danny Wimmer Presents festivals and items from local businesses.

Also available is an opportunity to win a one-on-one Zoom hang with Multi-Platinum music producer and songwriter Sam Hollander. Get insight from a music industry legend who has written and produced for the likes of Panic! At The Disco, One Direction, Fitz and the Tantrums, Weezer, Katy Perry, blink-182, Ringo Starr, Def Leppard, Carole King, Billy Idol, Jewel, Train, Tom Morello, and Gym Class Heroes amongst many others. The lucky winner will receive a signed copy of his new book, 21-Hit Wonder: Flopping My Way to the Top of the Charts.

This all-ages fundraiser invites music enthusiasts and supporters of education alike to partake in an unforgettable night while contributing to the growth and development of future music industry leaders.

Tickets for this event are available online.