Unbreakable L.A. spirit shined at aid benefits; NGA kick off
Around the Town, by Sondi Toll Sepenuk
It was a concert we wished didn’t have to happen, but we were grateful that it did.
On Jan. 7, wildfires ripped through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods, destroying 16,000 homes and structures and upending countless lives. The music community, many of whom were directly impacted themselves, immediately stepped up, and two weeks later, on Jan. 30, some of the top names in the music world
KIA FORUM was packed for the benefit concert.
performed one of the greatest live music events in history. Billed as “an evening of music and solidarity,” the FireAid Benefit Concert, in connection with the Annenberg Foundation, was held simultaneously between Inglewood’s Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome, a mile down the road. All proceeds raised would go to short- and long-term efforts and initiatives to prevent future fire disasters in Southern California and would be livestreamed around the world on multiple platforms. We were lucky enough to snag nosebleed seats at the Forum. Concertgoers were given a 6 p.m. start time, though it began later, so there was plenty of opportunity to wander the perimeter of the venue, purchasing concert swag (all proceeds going to the benefit), eating and drinking and chatting with other Angelenos (Windsor Square residents Stephen and Susan Matloff were spotted in the mix) there to support the community. Then, at 7 p.m. on the dot, the Kia Forum came alive. Green Day kicked off the event with “Last Night on Earth,” joined by Billie Eilish in a surprise appearance before heading over to her scheduled performance at the Intuit Dome. Comedian Billy Crystal, whose family lost their home of 46 years in Pacific Palisades, greeted the audience and asked viewers to donate to help recovery efforts. From that point on, it was a who’s who of surprise guests and songs from the heart, many focusing on California. Alanis Morrissette, in her sparkly “I Heart L.A.” T-shirt, reminded everyone why she is still a rock ‘n’ roll goddess. Anderson .Paak thrilled the audience with not one but two surprise guests, Sheila E. and Dr. Dre. Other Forum singers included Joni Mitchell, Dawes (two band members lost their homes and recording studio in the Eaton Fire), Stephen Stills, Mike Campbell, Graham Nash, Pink, John Mayer, John Fogerty, The Black Crowes, No Doubt, Stevie Nicks and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The biggest surprise of the night was the shock reunion of surviving Nirvana bandmates Dave Grohl, Pat Smear and Krist Novoselic, who played four Nirvana songs fronted by female lead vocalists St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett and Grohl’s 18-year-old daughter, Violet, who sang “All Apologies.” The crowd, a bit confused at first, went nuts once they realized what was happening.
Over at the Intuit Dome, Katy Perry, Rod Stewart, Earth, Wind and Fire, Gracie Abrams, Tate McRae, Jelly Roll (joined by Travis Barker), Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Sting, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga provided the icing on the cake. Whew! What a lineup! It was truly a night to remember, showing the unbreakable spirit and resilience of Los Angeles, the creative community and the people who call this ocean-adjacent desert community home. The event, produced by the Azoff family, Live Nation and the LA Clippers, raised over $100 million. If you would like to donate, go to fireaidla.org.
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LATC PLAYERS Sean Harrington and Andrei Duman.
Neighbors Karen Chou, Jenny Foley, Gary Gilbert, Lizzie Schwartz and the Los Angeles Tennis Club hosted a fundraiser to support the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. In all, 93 percent of every dollar donated went to the Foundation. As a community passionate about tennis and pickleball, the hosts showed their support for those affected by the recent wildfires, specifically our firefighters. Chou said, “[we]…recognize the devastation and trauma many have experienced, and believe that rebuilding starts with coming together to help—both financially and emotionally. The funds raised will go toward providing necessary equipment to better prepare the fire department for future challenges by supporting the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.”
ATTENDEES Lizzie Schwartz, Karen Chou and Jenny Foley.
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NGA MEMBERS meet to discuss the year ahead
NGA postponed its first meeting of the year due to the wildfires, so the members waited until Feb. 6 to reconvene and discuss the year ahead. Members were excited to learn that the fundraiser this year would be a backyard hoe-down on May 17. Ideas were thrown out to include a square dance caller, silent auction and paddle raise. All of NGA’s nonprofit recipients enthusiastically re-upped with the organization, including Alexandria House, Assistance League of Los Angeles, Aviva, Good Shepherd, Imagine LA, Los Angeles House of Ruth and Sunnyside 5. The attendees then moved on to lunch, enjoying a light Moroccan feast and home- baked double chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. Keep your eyes and ears open for further details about the upcoming hoedown.
And now you’re in the Larchmont know!
Category: People
