VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC SUMMER KICK OFF WITH COLBIE CAILLAT

With music education in danger as funding gets cut, organizations like VH1 Save the Music and Music Unites are more important than ever.

Founded in 1997, VH1 Save the Music has brought music education into the spotlight and kept it an integral part of a child's education by funding programs nationwide. The foundation has provided $45 million worth of new instruments to more than 1,700 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country. This past Sunday, they kicked off their summer campaign with a packed brunch at Hoboken, New Jersey's W Hotel with an intimate acoustic set by Universal Republic artist Colbie Caillat.

Following two special numbers by a student band from Frank Conwell Middle School 4, Colbie Caillat took the stage. Best known for her song "Bubbly" which was on the Billboard Chart for 17 weeks, the singer songwriter is working with the organization as an ambassador. She performed a number of songs, both well known and a few from her upcoming album.

Joining her in the spotlight was band member Justin Young, but the crowd definitely had their part in the show singing along with them. "It's cool to see you guys sing along," Coblie said. "I've been singing since I was 11 years old, and I didn't start writing songs until I was 19. So I'm really glad to be a part of this."

After her performance, the VH1 Save the Music Crew surprised Colbie with a candlelit cupcake and a rendition of "Happy Birthday" in honor of her 25th birthday, which she celebrates on May 28.

By Mara Siegler