Sunday night was in a word, magical. Rufus Wainwright transformed the Hollywood Bowl into a beautiful tribute to Judy Garland. At one point he thought he felt a drop of rain, but unlike Judy's 1961 performance at the Bowl, the weather remained cool and cloudburst free. The audience showered Rufus and his guests, his mother Kate McGarrigle, his sister Martha Wainwright, and Judy Garland's daughter Lorna Luft with love and affection and a few standing ovations. It was truly family affair.
Rufus Wainwrights sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"


Rufus sings with Judy Garland's daughter, Lorna Luft

Some of the most memorable moments of the evening included, Rufus telling a story about being saved from drowning in the Chateau Marmont pool by Betty Buckley. He sang "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" complete with an homage to the dance that Judy performed during this number. He walked out into the audience to kiss Debbie Reynolds and dedicate "You Made Me Love You" to her. Stephen Oremus conducted and played piano. The amazing Bucky Pizzarelli played a guitar solo in "How Long Has This Been Going On". Martha Wainwright sang "Stormy Weather" and "Someone to Watch Over Me". Kate McGarrigle played piano when Rufus sat center stage to sing "Somewhere over the Rainbow". In a sweeping fuscia evening gown, Lorna Luft brought the house down on both "After You've Gone" and "Carolina in the Morning".
Lorna Luft belts out "After You've Gone"

For the encores Rufus came back on stage dressed as Judy, complete with fishnets and high black pumps.

Also in attendance to share in the glow, we spotted Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, Rebecca Romijn, Jerry O'Connel, Patton Oswald, Rod Stewart. Ron Rifkin, Barry Diller, David Geffen, Jimmy Fallon, Laurie Metcalf, Carrie Fisher, Hilary Swank, Santino Rice, and Dita Von Teese.
After the show, we sipped champagne with Project Angel Food supporters, board members, and staff. We spotted Bruce Villanch and met and the extremely tall Santino Rice from "Project Runway". When Rufus walked into the party, everyone cheered and snapped photos, including the secret celeb who gave me these photos from the performance to share with all of you.
Rufus takes his final bow with Martha, Lorna, Kate and Stephen

photos by a Secret Celeb




Such a magnificent show!!
One I will remember forever
Thanks so much for these beautiful pictures!!
Rufus! Rufus! Rufus!
Suzi
I saw Rufus at the London Palladium in February (my birthday) and he was astounding. Always on pitch! and following strong, raunchy songs with sensitive balads yet with complete breath control, as if opera-trained.
Seen you now many times Rufus and you just get better. Looking forward to Birmingham in October.