Chad Smith, the drummer for the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, performs with summer campers on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Camp Korey in Carnation.

The annual Grow event is the largest fundraising event hosted by Camp Korey, raising over 1.5 million dollars in 2013. Camp Korey empowers children and families with serious medical conditions through year-round programs, always free of charge. Each year Grow features campers performing acts from their time at summer camp and this year will have a special musical guest.

“You know Chad may have lost that drum off battle to Will Ferrell, but really he’s a winner” states Hillary Carey, Executive Director for Camp Korey. “He is getting a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform live with our campers at our beautiful camp. That’s a win. Only a true rock star can keep up with our campers on stage.”

Smith has a long history of being one of the most sought after drummers.  He has recorded with many well-known artists, including The Avett Brothers, Johnny Cash, The Wu-Tang Clan and Brandi Carlile among others.

At Grow, Smith will perform alongside many beloved summer campers, whose talents range from singing to musical instruments and more. A seasoned musician, Smith will be sharing the stage with campers as young as 8.

Smith himself began playing drums at the age of 7. As a member of the pioneering, multi Grammy award-winning Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smith is widely regarded as one of music’s most accomplished drummers and articulate musicians. With the Chili Peppers, Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Smith supports a few very near and dear nonprofits, and even recorded a children’s album alongside Dick Van Dyke in 2010 called Rhythm Train, which MTV named one of the best children’s records of all time.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. Learn more at campkorey.org/grow.