Recently I posted on the blog about having my in-ear headphones on non-stop, getting psyched for the Bridge School Benefit Concert last weekend in Mountain View, CA at Shoreline. It was definitely an amazing night! The sense of community coming together for a good cause - to benefit The Bridge School - was definitely in the air. Some of the artists I had seen prior to this show, but for most it was the first time I had ever seen them perform live.
The highlight of the evening was without a doubt, Jack White. His all-female band Saturday night brought the house down. Guns N’ Roses was a little strange, maybe out of place, as the performance would have been fine but the F-bombs Axl dropped several times in front of the students and their parents were a little jarring. The shocker of the evening was Eddie Vedder who was not on the bill but came on to do a couple of songs before GNR came on. I would have very much welcomed a full set from him! I enjoyed Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Foster the People, and Ray LaMontagne, all artists whom I have seen before. Steve Martin was really funny and entertaining with the Steep Canyon Rangers. Gary Clark Jr., Lucinda Williams, Sara McLachlan and k.d. lang all put on a great show for everyone.
Every year it’s a different lineup, but always acoustic and always a good time. For the last few days, I have constantly had my headphones in, listening to some favorites but also getting acquainted with Gary Clark Jr., whose set I really liked. Here are some great images from Velodyne friend Jay Blakesberg who was there to document the 2-day concert.
Neil Young plays to the students, warms up the crowd
Neil Young, the Godfather of Grunge
Gary Clark, Jr.
Lucinda Williams
Steve Martin
k.d. lang
Sarah McLachlan
Foster the People
Ray LaMontagne
The Flaming Lips
Jack White
Eddie Vedder
Guns N’ Roses
Various, Finale Saturday
Various, Finale Sunday
Hope to see you there next year!
What a lineup! But Eddie Vedder alone would’ve done it for me. Feeling inspired to go play some good music while I work.
I love Eddie too! And yes, working to good music definitely helps to both relax and focus.
What an amazing group of artists! Makes me want to turn the volume up!
It was a great group! The fact that it’s an all acoustic show makes it even better, You would not get this type of performance out of seeing any/all of these artists individually.