The Metro: The Chad Smith Foundation supports furthering music education at University of Michigan
Hall of Fame Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith recently announced The Chad Smith Foundation. Chad grew up in Michigan and returned to the place where he got his start to help students do the same.
Rehearsal Photos November 2025 Robert Coelius Photo
You may be familiar with the Grammy-winning band Red Hot Chilli Peppers, famous for songs like “Dani California on Stadium Arcadium” or “Can’t Stop” off the 2002 album “By The Way.”
Hall of Fame Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith recently announced The Chad Smith Foundation. Chad grew up in Michigan and returned to the place where he got his start to help students do the same.
The Curtis and Joan Smith Scholarship will honor his parents while also providing need-based support for incoming music students to the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance.
During U-M’s Band O Rama, Chad joined the Michigan Marching Band in Hill Auditorium for a performance including U of M’s fight song “The Victor’s” and the Red-Hot Chili Peppers classic “Can’t Stop.”
Tia Graham had the chance to chat with Chad about the foundation, the scholarship and growing up in Michigan.
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