Steven Van Zandt to Be Honored at Star-Studded Music Education Gala

NBC Photo/Heidi GutmanE Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt is receiving the "Big Man of the Year Award" at the Little Kids Rock Right to Rock Celebration on October 16 in New York City. The honor is named after the late E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons.

According to a press release, Van Zandt will perform at the event with several of his musical friends including Elvis Costello, Dion DiMucci, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Darlene Love, Southside Johnny, Gary U.S. Bonds, Clemons' nephew Jake Clemons, and others.

The evening will also feature an auction of music memorabilia including a keyboard signed by Lady Gaga and a guitar signed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The gala, taking place and the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom, will benefit the Little Kids Rock organization that provides free music education to more than 100,000 disadvantaged public school students in 12 states.

"Putting instruments in [children's] hands is empowering," Van Zandt says. "We're the only country in the world that thinks that art is a luxury. It's not a luxury; it's a necessity of life."