Using blues rockers as a means to drive up support and recognition for American veterans, firefighters and first responders, executive producer Bob Okun has put together a third annual fundraiser to give honor to our country’s true heroes.
The 2+ hour concert was recorded and will be televised December 22 on KTLA, but for those in attendance, it was an inspiring evening, showing how music, like true faith, can bring together people from disparate backgrounds and be united for an important cause and message.
Between songs, presentations and tributes were given to WWI vet and TV icon Norman Lear as well as to the still living Tuskegee airman, one of which at 99 years young was in attendance. The unity of the audience in giving appreciation to these men, as well as the salute for the people in service made one proud to be an American, as well as a blues rock fan.
As far as the music goes, what can you say about a gig that is emcee’d by Billy Gibbons?!?
The evening opened with a touching and beautiful rendition of “Oh America” by warm tenor Anthony Kearns and the gracious guitarist Laurence Juber. From there, the air tight backup band of 3 horns, 3 vocalists, bass, guitar, drums and keyboards kicked into gear as Gibbons stomped through a hard hitting “Sharp Dressed Man” before Orianthi with Guigui snarled out “Gimme Some Lovin’”
Emily Estefan gave a touching talk on PTSD before searing into an earthy take of “Black Magic Woman.” The trifecta of Sammy Hagar, Joe Bonamassa and Doors legend Robbie Krieger belted out a rowdy “Roadhouse Blues” that had the floor shake. American Idol star Haley Reinhart teamed with Krieger for a slow, sensuous and bluesy read of “Light My Fire,” leading perfectly into a gritty “Back Door Man” with the addition of Dave Navarro and Orianthi.
Front to center stage returned Joe B with fellow axe man Vernon Reid, and they were rollin’ and tumblin’ on “I Get Evil.” Bonamassa then made his guitar strings cry and wail for mercy on a show stopping “Nobody Loves Me But My Mother.
For a salute to the California Fire Victims, Juber returned on stage for a lyrical “How Frail We Are,” then welcoming Stephen Stills on stage with his Flying V guitar for a thick bluesy take of “Isn’t It About Time” with Gibbons in rocking support. What else could unify members of CSN and ZZ Top except for the blues and patriotism?
An anthematic version of “Love the One You’re With” had just about everyone on stage to participate, then Reid returned for a Hendrixy “Crosstown Traffic.” Just when you thought thinks couldn’t get better, Eagles legend Don Felder stepped up stage, in rich voice sang “Heartache Tonight, and armed with his guitars did a smoky blues shuffle of “Pride and Joy” with Gibbons before strapping on his double necked guitar for the rifftide of “Hotel California.”
The finale reunited just about everyone with a six stringer for a sizzling “Low Rider,” with both musicians and audience glad to be able to give a thanks for people who, as emcee Joe Mantagna said, “make it possible for us to do crazy things because they protect us.” Isn’t that why we love this great land?
To make a donation, visit www.americasalutesyou.org