An email I sent some friends a couple weeks ago:
I thought I'd share some notes from last night's 24th annual Bridge School Benefit concert on Sunday October 24, 2010, at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA.
Performances started at 2 pm, however due to the monsoon, I mean rain, I didn't arrive until 2:40 ish and was able to watch the end of Modest Mouse from LCD screens through out the venue. I started in lawn but maneuvered into pavilion seating (though not under the canopy.) The turnout was impressive (~20K) especially since the rain did not let up and I had to wear a couple base layers, rain boots, hats, and rain coat. There were Gordon Fisherman (fish sticks) look-a-likes all over the venue (think highlighter yellow rain coat, pants, and hat.)
Day Part:
Elvis Costello displayed great British showmanship. He was also the MC for the collaboration portion. Sir Elton John and Leon Russel (his silvery white locks are to be envied) performed together on pianos. Kristopher Kristofferson performed solo though somberly, as Merle Haggard had to bow out of their duet due to illness. T Bone Burnett and the Speaking Clock Revue (feat. Elvis Costello, Elton John, and Neil Young) played with Jeff Bridge's as he performed some of his "Crazy Heart" songs. They also backed the stellar red haired maven, Neko Case.
Evening Part:
Pearl Jam celebrated their 20th anniversary (being a band) at the Bridge School Benefit. They opened up with "Daughter", played a new song for the first time "Other Side", and gave tribute to Neil with "Driftin'" which apparently Eddie wrote while driving down Neil's "long" driveway. Jaws dropped with their rendition of Neil Young's " Walk with Me," and Neil joined them wearing a red flannel (ode' to PJ grunge scene ?) "Just Breathe" & "Black" were great. Anyone who wasn't already standing, stood up, as they closed with "Elderly Women Behind the Counter in a Small Town."
Finally, after a 42 plus year hiatus, Buffalo Spring took the stage. Initially, I was stoked just to see Stephan Stills and Neil Young perform together live and the addition of Richie Furay proved why these guys are rock n' roll legends. Words alone can not express the experience their extraordinary harmonies, musicianship, and set-list provided. One of the people I went with, stated, "..it felt like a time warp back into the 60's... " I could not agree any more... Hearing "For What It's Worth," "Bluebird" and " Mr. Soul" will be a lasting memory. The Encore was "Rocking in the Free World" with all the day's performers on stage and 20K dancing and singing along in the chilly October night rain. Truly Amazing!!
SIDENOTES:
- Per wiki "The amphitheatre was built from 1985-1986, by the city of Mountain View, in cooperation with local promoter Bill Graham, as part of the Shoreline Park project. Graham designed the amphitheatre to resemble The Grateful Dead's "steal your face" image... Each row of fixed seating at the amphitheatre has a pitch of three feet, providing ample legroom and space for dancing." Shoreline Amphitheater is built over a landfill.
- The Bridge School Benefit Concert is organized by Neil Young and his wife. Proceeds benefit the Bridge School, which assists children with severe physical impairments and complex communication needs. Many of the children were on stage with the performers as they performed in acoustics
- Jeff Bridges looked like Kristopher Kristofferson's son. Their resemblance was uncanny.
- Buffalo Springfield's members looked rather comedic on stage as Stills performed in a grey suit with a silk tie (banker look), Furay sported jeans, sport coat (pun intended), buttoned up plaid shirt , & glass (think that one uncle during the holiday's attire) and Neil rocked in his fringed suede coast (probably from the 60's.)
- A 24 oz of Sierra Nevada's Summerfest were $13 and "tall girls" of Tecate and Budlight were $ 10!!! Perhaps this is why I remember so much, HA!
Next years 25th annual show should be amazing!
