Bridge School Benefit

Yesterday was the Bridge School Benefit! Unfortunately, Eddie Vedder didn't end up playing the show due to a family issue with the band. I was pretty bummed because I just saw Into the Wild (see previous post) and was looking forward to hearing those insane cries he utters during some of the tracks.

I did see Tom Waits with Kronos Quartet, Jerry Lee Lewis, Metallica, Neil Young, and My Morning Jacket. I also saw John Mayer but was less excited about that one.

The highlight was without a doubt Tom Waits and Kronos. I can't even describe it, but it was my first time seeing Tom perform and I was blown away. Kronos was an outstanding contribution to the performance and he even did "Day After Tomorrow" which I LOVE.

Metallica was...interesting. I think they are an amazing band and have seen them live numerous times - never been disappointed. This time, they were acoustic (as were all the acts). The first song can only be described as a train wreck, at least to me. Things picked up after that but stumbled on the third track, where they covered Garbage's "Only Happy When it Rains." I'm not a big Garbage fan so you can guess what I thought of that. However, after I accepted that this wasn't going to be a typical "huge" concert (plugged in and outta control) I dug it. You can't deny James Hetfield's vocal power - melodic yet gruff. And they did "Turn the Page," one of my favorite covers they've done and also a song that has a lot of memories attached to it for me. :)

And Neil was Neil! Had some amazing solos and played Winterlong...yeah!

I had a great night. And drank Fat Tire to boot - who can complain?!