Pepa Hosts Rhythm and Kicks: Pepa’s St. Jude Sneaker Bash with Co-Host Walter Tucker — A Star-Powered Night of Music and Purpose Supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Pepa Hosts Rhythm and Kicks: Pepa’s St. Jude Sneaker Bash with Co-Host Walter Tucker — A Star-Powered Night of Music and Purpose Supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The first annual Rhythm and Kicks: Pepa’s St. Jude Sneaker Bash lit up Los Angeles on Saturday, June 7, 2025, blending music, community, and philanthropy for an unforgettable night — all to benefit the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The evening was hosted by hip-hop legend Sandra “Pepa” Denton of Salt-N-Pepa — a Grammy-winning artist, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and cultural icon whose trailblazing career has redefined the role of women in music. Pepa brought more than star power to the night — she brought heart. As a dedicated ambassador for St. Jude, she continues to use her legacy to uplift underserved communities and give back in deeply personal ways. Her presence and leadership set the tone for the evening, reminding everyone that purpose and celebration can — and should — coexist.

Joining her as co-host was Walter J. Tucker, founder of Being Indie Is Major, a groundbreaking platform and global community championing independent creatives. Named one of Billboard’s most powerful music executives, Walter brings a decade of experience as a strategist, speaker, and cultural curator. He has spoken and moderated panels around the world — including for the GRAMMY Museum, SXSW, and Revolt Summit — and is widely respected for creating platforms where emerging talent and new ideas can thrive.

In a surprise moment, Pepa was honored with the inaugural Pepa Award, celebrating her dedication and longstanding service to the children and families of St. Jude. The award was presented by none other than Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper, her longtime collaborator, friend, and fellow Salt-N-Pepa icon — marking a powerful and emotional moment of sisterhood, recognition, and legacy.

Musical performances, curated through Walter Tucker’s Being Indie Is Major platform, featured Gogo Morrow, Trevor Jackson, and MAJOR. The evening brought together powerful live entertainment, elevated cuisine, signature cocktails, and a vibrant silent auction — all infused with a deep sense of purpose and celebration.

The red carpet dazzled with star-studded appearances, including:
Fox TV celebrity chef Ryan Rondeno, EDM singer-songwriter and Billboard-charting artist Ashley Paul, funk revival band SlapBak (managed by Randy Jackson), platinum record producer Joel Diamond, reality TV star Ty Smith from Now Hiring, TV personality and podcast host Brooke Toney, and rising pop-R&B sensation Briannagh D.

The event was made possible through the collective efforts of key contributors including:
Jimmy Maynes (615 JJ Entertainment), Jenny Woldt (615 JJ Entertainment), Joey Harris (Joey Harris Inc.), Hustle Simmons (Watershed Creative Agency), Matt Tuffour (Toasted Life), Anthez Williams (Center of A1OCHUN), Katrina Strangis (BLKat Entertainment), Brandon Cohen (BAC Talent), Walter Tucker (Live The Biz), Nikki Claudine (Claudine Public Relations), and Lisa Lew (P & L Media).

Sponsors included:
Humm Kombucha, Rebbl, Chameleon Espresso Martini Mixer, Töst, Kan-Anan, All About The Cinnamon, Jamrock Jerk Grill, 101 Vodka, Black Radiance, Tepozan Tequila, Wiens Cellars, MesoLyft, LA’telier, Sonrisa Puerto Rican Rum, Disney artist Jimmy C. Mulligan, and Playbook Distribution.

Proceeds from the event supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

Support Pepa’s Mission with St. Jude:
To further support Sandra “Pepa” Denton’s ongoing commitment to St. Jude, donations can be made directly at www.stjude.org/pepa. Every contribution helps ensure no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for anything.

Looking Ahead:
If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting next year’s Rhythm and Kicks: Pepa’s St. Jude Sneaker Bash, please contact us at https://www.615jjentertainment.com/pepa. Together, we can make an even bigger impact in 2026.

The event was held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA.