Steven Van Zandt presents Centofanti Symposium
Musician, producer, actor, activist and historian Steven Van Zandt will present at Youngstown State University’s Centofanti Symposium 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 11 at Stambaugh Auditorium.
Globally recognized as one of the foremost authorities on rock and roll, Van Zandt played a crucial role in the creation of the “Jersey Shore” sound with the Asbury Jukes and later went on to become a founding member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Van Zandt is also the founder of Renegade Nation, Renegade TV and Wicked Cool Records, and he launched the internationally syndicated radio show “Little Steven’s Underground Garage” along with “Outlaw Country.”
As an actor, he is best known for co-starring in “The Sopranos,” which is widely regarded as the most critically acclaimed TV drama in history. Van Zandt also played major roles in films like “The Irishman” and “Christmas Chronicles.”
For four decades, Van Zandt has organized and performed for political causes, including his Rock and Roll Forever Foundation, which promotes music education and encourages students to stay in school. Van Zandt was the first Ambassador for the Ronald McDonald House Charity and has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the We Are Family Foundation’s Humanitarian Award for his ongoing efforts to fight racism.
Known for his insightful commentary and infectious humor, Van Zandt states: “I do believe Rock and Roll can change the world. It’s about bands, and that for me suggests brotherhood, family, friendship, and community.”
Tickets for the Centofanti Symposium are free and available to the public beginning Monday, Jan. 27 on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can be ordered online at stambaughauditorium.com or in person at the DeYor Performing Arts Center Box Office, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information, call 330-941-2136.
The Centofanti Symposium was established in 2013 in memory of James Centofanti, a Marine who served in World War II, successful business owner, philanthropist, and horseman. Centofanti was a long-time member of the Board of Directors of Farmers National Bank and a generous supporter of many educational and community-based initiatives. He was a charitable individual who believed everyone has a responsibility to help those in need.
The James and Coralie Centofanti Center of Health and Welfare for Vulnerable Populations was founded in 2012 with a $1 million gift from the Centofanti Foundation. The Centofanti Symposium is a branch of the Center which features nationally recognized speaker speakers on topics regarding the needs of vulnerable populations. Past speakers of the Symposium include: W. Kamau Bell, Soledad O’Brien, Gloria Steinem and Ben Carson.