Documentary film ‘Twenty Years On’ explores Styx and Kaboom Collective collaboration
The collaboration between the legendary rock band Styx and the nonprofit arts organization Kaboom Collective, which has been ongoing for the past 20 years, will be documented in a feature-length film titled “Twenty Years On.” This documentary is set to premiere on June 6, 2026, at Heights Theater Studios in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The film will offer a retrospective look at how the partnership between Styx and Kaboom Collective began and evolved over the years.
In 2006, the founder of Kaboom, Liza Grossman, introduced a revolutionary concept that involved bringing together members of the rock band Styx and a youth orchestra on stage. This innovative idea saw student musicians collaborating with a legendary arena rock band to perform orchestrated versions of classic Styx songs, a concept that was groundbreaking at the time. This unique collaboration quickly gained attention and set a precedence for similar projects in the music industry.
The documentary “Twenty Years On” will delve deep into the origins of this rock-and-orchestra format pioneered by Styx and Kaboom Collective. It will explore the impact of this collaboration on the young musicians who have participated in Kaboom’s programs over the past two decades. The film will showcase the transformative journey of these aspiring artists who have grown and evolved through their involvement with Styx and Kaboom.
Liza Grossman, the founder of Kaboom, expressed her admiration for everyone involved in the project, highlighting their dedication to a shared vision and the pursuit of something bigger than themselves. She emphasized the role of Styx in understanding and supporting Kaboom’s mission from the outset, creating a nurturing environment for young talent to flourish.
Styx, renowned for their enduring musical legacy spanning over five decades, actively engaged with Kaboom’s initiatives, offering mentorship and collaboration opportunities to aspiring musicians. Tommy Shaw of Styx commended the relationship they have cultivated with Kaboom over the years, witnessing the growth and development of the young artists they have mentored.
Directed by Evan Haiman and produced by a team of industry professionals, “Twenty Years On” draws on archival footage from past concerts and interviews with key stakeholders to provide an in-depth look at the evolution of the Styx-Kaboom partnership. The film captures the essence of the initial collaboration in 2006 and its lasting impact on the lives of the musicians involved.
As the documentary unfolds, viewers will witness the legacy of the 2006 concert at Blossom Music Center and the 2016 concert special Sing for the Day. Through a combination of archival footage and present-day content, the film underscores the enduring connection between the musicians who shared the stage in 2006 and highlights the influence of that transformative experience on their personal and professional trajectories.
“Twenty Years On” not only celebrates the longstanding partnership between Styx and Kaboom Collective but also shines a spotlight on the continued legacy of the rock-and-orchestra format pioneered by these two entities. The film showcases a new generation of musicians from Kaboom Studio Orchestra who are carrying forward the creative spark ignited by Styx back in 2006, reinforcing the timeless appeal of their collaboration.