What a Hullabaloo It Was

A woman in a Chili Peppers shirt told me ecstatically, "Both of those bands are better than most bands I've seen open for the Chili Peppers."

The evening celebrated all types of music, not just rock 'n roll. The Ditty Bops played their heartwarming brand of folky harmonies. While die hard fans of Vedder and the Chili Peppers from far and wide came to the fundraiser as well. I met a couple from Florida who planned their vacation around the event, two guys from Barcelona and several people who'd flown in from London. It's a powerful thing to have such a strong fanbase, and putting that towards a worthy cause really does create what Flea calls a "pure and beautiful" atmosphere. Following the student sets came a classical performance from the teachers of The Conservatory along with co-founders Flea and Kevin Barry.

Jack Black made a surprise appearance, joining Master of Ceremonies Woody Harrelson on stage. The star of the film School of Rock wasn't there to perform, but to introduce his father-in-law, jazz musician Charlie Haden.

Mickey Avalon gave the audiences some tits and ass with two back-up dancers and Simon Rex DJing behind. Some audience members were offended by his rap lyrics, (claiming this was a family event) but one look at the kids present and you could see them lip syncing right along. When Harrelson joked, "What do you call a vegetarian with a yeast infection?" Several people screamed in response: "Mickey Avalon!" (That wasn't the real punchline).

Magician Rob Zabrecky (former frontman of Possum Dixon) led the live auction. One of the top-selling items was a set of prints from English artist Damien Hirst claimed for $150,000. A fundraising associate estimated that about $250,000 was raised from the live auction alone.

"It's incredible to play on the same bill with these kids," said Vedder as he came on stage, bottle of wine in hand for a solo acoustic set. Songs included "Drifting," "I Am Mine" and a new one inspired from a conversation with a paralyzed soldier named Thomas Young called "No More War." Vedder's performance was poignant, touching and genuine. Then Vedder took a big swig from his bottle of wine before launching into an electrifying jam session with Flea and drummer Jack Irons. They rocked out to "Corduroy" and "Better Man" until Steve Jones from The Sex Pistols joined them for "The Kids Are Alright."

Next it was the Chili Peppers to close the show. They know what their fans want and they know how to put on an amazing show. And, it's Flea's band playing for the school that he founded. They blew the roof off opening with "Dani California" and then "Scar Tissue. "

Living in Los Angeles, we get a lot of big artists and a lot of talent coming through this town. On Saturday it was more than just a good concert. It was something hopeful with the desire to make things a little better. With efforts like this, I think some kids may just be alright.

All photos © An Tran 2007