KEY WEST — Sunday afternoon's "Rock The Night Away" concert at the Tropic Cinema was "beneficial" in many ways.

The 13th annual Kids Helping Kids Concert — making its debut at the new Tropic on Eaton — raised money for the YMCA Summer Camp program. But it also put the spotlight on some young stars-in-the-making, who took the stage before a packed house and belted out favorite rockin' hits.

For instance, 7-year-old Robert Newman didn't show any signs of stage jitters as he opened the concert with his version of "In-A-Gadda-da-Vida." Watching from the audience were proud dad Bob Newman and grandfather Bob Gandolfi.

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ROB O'NEAL/The Citizen Robin Kaplan, musical director and founder of the Music Room, joins in a thunderous applause as seven-year-old Robert Newman finishes off the final notes of Iron Butterfly's rock anthem "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" during Sunday's benefit concert at the Tropic Theatre on Eaton Street. Proceeds from the yearly event go to the YMCA.

Apparently, Robert was influenced to play the piano because "my wife used to play the keyboard and organ," Bob Newman said.

Musical selections included everything from Fleetwood Mac to Metallica, and Britney Spears tunes were quite popular as well.

The audience was treated to a prodigy's performance when 6-year-old Dominick Rojas took the stage. Dominick, son of renowned Key West musician Rolando Rojas, gave an All-American tribute, sporting a Stars and Stripes bandana and playing the Bill Haley and the Comets smash "Rock Around The Clock."

Relatives who attended the concert — including Dominick's grandparents, Bill and Daisy — said the young piano player is a natural talent. He already has garnered a local following with a recent performance at the El Meson de Pepe restaurant.

Robin Kaplan directed the show, which was the culmination of about three months' preparation. She joined her students on stage, knowing each had eagerly waited for this moment to arrive.

"It's exciting," she said as she prepared backstage. "We have four seniors graduating this year."

YMCA Program Director Jamie Lemieux, who joined in to help, said fundraising is what keeps the kids' programs afloat. She praised Kaplan's dedication to the Kids Helping Kids project.

"Robin has been just wonderful," she said.

For many show-goers it was also a chance for a first inside look at the new Tropic. The Cinema, located at 416 Eaton St. between Duval and Whitehead streets, is proudly showing six to seven films a day, seven days a week. It boasts two theaters — one with 153 seats and another with 53 — and a third theater is in the works. The final touches are being applied, including carpeting in the lobby and additions to the concession stand.

"The goal and mission of the film society at the Tropic Cinema is to serve the community's cultural commons," said Key West Film Society Director and Founder Michael Shields. "Our support of other nonprofit organizations is ongoing as we look to partner with those groups who want to enhance the quality of life in Key West."

While music aficionados enjoyed the concert, film fans were next door, watching the French production "To Be and To Have," about an educator in a one-room schoolhouse.

To find out more about the Tropic and the Film Society, go to http://www.keywestfilm.org/. For more info about the YMCA Key West, go to www.ymca-keywest.org.