Jon Bon Jovi, Idina Menzel, David Sanborn and more honor veteran Central Park concert promoter. Source: City Parks Foundation Gala Honors Ron Delsener | PopMatters
Everest Awakening, is a new organization ” founded in light of the recent earthquake to bring together musicians, artists, writers, poets, activists, politicians, and scientists in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Nepal and neighboring territories of the Himalayan region. Using our skills and various platforms, we are doing what we can to spread awareness and hope, using our voices and resources to keep people informed and educated, and to help others to direct their efforts and donations to where they are needed most.”
Founded by Jesse Paris Smith, the organization hosted a benefit event on May 17th at City Winery in NYC to raise funds for victims of the two recent devastating earthquakes in Nepal. The event featured Jesse’s mother Patti Smith along with Loudon Wainwright III, Michael Stipe, Kaki King, Shyam Nepali and more. Pictures from the afternoon show are below the jump. Michael Stipe read a poem, he did not sing because of allergies. Loudon Wainwright III performed a few goofy numbers. Kaki King brilliantly played her guitars, one of which sounded like a kyoto with a simple modification. Patti Smith did one song, followed by a cover of “Everybody Hurts” (with the writer, Stipe not far away), then a new poem about the tragedy in Nepal (accompanied by Jesse on the piano) and then finally with almost all the musicians back on stage, she did “People Have the Power” for the finale.
Please make a donation to this organization or any organization of your choice and help provide relief to the victims. Pick up a few songs that were generously contributed to Everest Awakening by various artists as well via the stream below.
Last week, I had the privilege of photographing the New York Peace Institute’s ‘We Can Smirk It Out’ Benefit Comedy Show at Gotham Comedy Club. The New York Peace Institute is an organization “committed to promoting peace in our communities. Whether a dispute involves two people, dozens of people, or several groups, we can help.” Their ‘We Can Smirk It Out’ benefit featured Negin Farsad, Marina Franklin, Mark Normand and Bill Santiago, with MC duties by Harrison Greenbaum. Some of my favorite photos of the comedians from the event below the jump or just click this link for the full gallery.