Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit Concert Celebrates 25 Years
MOUNTAIN VIEW (CBS SF) - Every October for the past 25 years, music's biggest names converge on Mountain View for a special charity event like no other. Founded by Neil Young and wife Pegi, the Bridge School Benefit raises money for a unique school that educates children with physical and communication disabilities. Everyone from Bruce Springsteen to David Crosby to R.E.M. to Paul McCartney has graced the stage over the years.
This weekend's Bridge School Benefit Concert featured performances from Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Arcade Fire, Eddie Vedder, Beck, Mumford and Sons, and so much more.
One of the highlights of Saturday's event was a collaboration with Neil Young and Grammy Award-winning band, Arcade Fire and their performance of "Helpless."
Making the trek out to Mountain View from San Francisco has become a yearly right of passage for some of music's biggest names. Names like The Who, Dave Matthews and David Bowie are lured there by Neil and Pegi Young and their endless devotion to the children of the Bridge School. The performances are traditionally done on acoustic instruments, adding to the unique nature of the concerts.
On October 24th, Reprise Records will release two very special and highly anticipated packages: a three-DVD set and a two-CD collection that feature unique live performances from many of the phenomenal artists who've performed at the beloved Annual Bridge School Benefit Concerts over the past 25 years.
Some of the biggest names in music are included on The Bridge School Benefit Concerts – 25th Anniversary Edition, performing rare, acoustic versions of songs, never heard anywhere else, to benefit The Bridge School, a non-profit, innovative organization educating children with severe speech and physical impairments through the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems and assistive technology. This once-in-a-lifetime collection is sure to become a treasured artifact for generations to come.
Artists featured on the three-DVD set include Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Pearl Jam, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, The Who, Tom Petty, Simon and Garfunkel, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, and much more. A documentary DVD includes "The Bridge School Story," which gives a special look into this wonderful school and the truly phenomenal services they provide children with advanced physical and communication challenges. Another documentary on the DVD, "Backstage At The Bridge School Benefit Concert," offers a bird's-eye view of the event itself, along with special features that include heartfelt interviews with the students and the artists themselves. The two-CD set features exclusive performances from Sheryl Crow, Thom Yorke, Norah Jones, No Doubt, Willie Nelson, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, Sonic Youth, and more.
The cover art has been designed by renowned artist Shepard Fairey.
Bridge School co-founder Pegi Young and Executive Director Dr. Vicki Casella explain:
"The success of The Bridge School has been ensured over these many years through the extraordinary generosity of performers, artists and musicians. The funds raised by this benefit have allowed us to have a positive impact on children, families and professionals throughout the world."
The DVD and CD packages will be released just after Saturday's concert. This must-own package memorializes the artists' passion and commitment to a worthy cause that links us all together. The Bridge School Benefit Concerts – 25th Anniversary Edition will entertain, enlighten, and inform you on how to become a member of The Bridge School family.
Click here to find out more information on the release and how to donate directly to The Bridge School. Click here to pre-order the triple DVD package. Click here to pre-order the double CD package.
For more information on The Bridge School and the Benefit visit,
www.neilyoung.com or www.bridgeschool.org
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