Sheila E. performs at Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in Detroit on July 7, 2021.

Bay Area icon Sheila E. and 49ers great Ronnie Lott are part of a new music education and emerging artists program hoping to guide the next generation of Bay Area artists.

Follow the Music includes a large board of trustees that also includes Bay Area and music industry leaders, musicians and athletes. The program was developed in partnership with Elevate Oakland, which Sheila E. cofounded. It kicks off with a concert at the

Guild Theatre in Menlo Park on Oct. 29 featuring performances by young artists from Oakland School for the Arts, GLIDE Memorial Church, San Francisco Community Music Center, ELM (Enriching Lives Through Music), Blue Bear School of Music and SFJAZZ.

“Music gave the Bay Area its soul,” Sheila E. said in a written statement. “We’ve been through hard times before, and music is the one tool that brings people together to imagine a different future. Together we can support the next generation.”

The kickoff concert is presented by KALW and sponsored by Community Bank of the Bay. Sheila E., Lott and other 49er alumni will attend and speak on the importance of supporting music education. Tickets are available online.

Follow the Music is planning additional opportunities for young artists and arts organizations throughout the Bay Area to participate in educational and performance opportunities through a network of partners like the Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul, Noisepop, SFJAZZ, Golden State Warriors and more.