Benefit Concert puts on a chill weekend

By Nate Seltenrich

Fifteen years ago, a concert took place in Mountain View, Calif., that may not have seemed much different from the numerous other benefit shows that were so common during the '80s.

Probably not many people expected much more from the Bridge School Benefit Concert than they would have from Farm Aid or Live Aid or any of the other concerts during the decade that promised to support just about every cause you could imagine.

However, only a few of those benefit shows from the '80s have survived to 2001, and the Bridge School event ranks right up at the top of today's annual benefit concerts.

The Bridge School Benefit's success can largely be attributed to its ability to bring together some of the most talented artists around, both in and out of the popular music spotlight.

This year's show, held on Oct. 20 and 21, will be no exception, featuring Crazy Horse, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Dave Matthews, Ben Harper, Tracy Chapman, Billy Idol and Jill Sobule.

"It's good to know that the bands I want to see are willing to give to charity the money that they would make at a concert like this," said sophomore Lindsey Lockwood, who will be attending this year's show.

But the annual concerts are important for more than just their stellar musical offerings. Just as widely praised for its tireless dedication to serve a worthy cause as it is for its acts, the Bridge School Benefit donates all of the proceeds to the Bridge School, an educational program devoted to helping children with severe speech and physical impairments.

Founded by Pegi Young (Neil Young's wife) and Jim Forderer in 1986, the Bridge School seeks to give these children a chance to fully participate in their communities, primarily through applications of technology and alternative means of communication.

The first concert, organized by Neil and Pegi, was held right in our backyard at The Shoreline Ampitheater, as have been all but one of the others.

On Oct. 13, 1986, CSNY, Nils Lofgren, Don Henley, Tom Petty, Robin Williams and Bruce Springsteen came together for a show that set a precedent, a format, and a tone that has been met or exceeded every year since then (except for 1987, when the concert was not held).

Remaining loyal to his cause, Neil Young performs with different bands and plays opening or closing solo sets at every show. Last year, when CSNY, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beck, the Dave Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, Robin Williams and Tegan and Sara performed, Young played opening sets, as well as the song "Cortez the Killer" with the Dave Matthews Band both days.

Not only is Young a faithful attendee to the shows, but many artists have also made numerous appearances. Tom Petty has performed five times, Pearl Jam has five including this year, and 2001 will be Tracy Chapman's fourth performance. A handful of other artists have also played at two or three concerts.

Another interesting feature of the Bridge School Benefit that is sure to attract many fans is that all of the bands play acoustic sets.

This unique opportunity to see bands like Metallica and Green Day "unplugged" is yet another plus that the Bridge School concerts have to offer.

Celebrating ten years of great music and successful fund-raising, the Bridge School has created a compilation of songs commemorating the first ten shows. Released in 1997 and containing 15 tracks, The Bridge School Concerts - Volume One is the first-ever collection of music from these performances, and all proceeds from the sale of the album benefit the Bridge School.

Tickets for this year's show are sold out, but you can still show your support for the Bridge School by making donations through their website, www.bridgeschool.org.

If you want to learn more about the music, pick up a copy of the 10-year compilation and wait patiently for next October and the 16th Bridge School Benefit Concert.

The combination of world-class performers and a good cause has proven to justify the higher ticket price, as recent Bridge School concerts have sold out within an hour.