The organization, which brings music and musicians to the children of Haiti and globally “to inspire achievement, resiliency, and creativity,” has long had a knack for gathering world class musicians for its annual benefit show at the Sweetwater Music Hall. The 2018 edition of the event will be no different, as living legend Jackson Browne will headline the event, which is set for Monday, Oct. 15 at 8pm.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest American songwriters, Browne, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2007. He’s among a group of musicians who defined the Southern California sound that spawned from Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles. And although he’s sold more than 18 million records in a career that spans five decades, his most recent studio album, Standing In The Breach, drew rave reviews for “exploring love, hope, and defiance in the face of the advancing uncertainties of modern life.”
In 2002, Browne became the fourth recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, given to artists whose works exemplify the environmental and social values that were essential to the great California-born author. Two years later, Jackson was given an honorary Doctorate of Music by Occidental College in Los Angeles, for “a remarkable musical career that has successfully combined an intensely personal artistry with a broader vision of social justice.”
Browne will be joined by Greg Leisz, the guitarist/multi-instrumentalist for whom the list of famous musicians he’s performed with is seemingly longer than the list of those he hasn’t. Leisz, grew up in the garage band culture of mid-1960s Southern California. His career spans from a tour in 1975 with John Stewart (formerly of The Kingston Trio), producing for Dave Alvin, performing and recording for 18 years with k.d. lang and playing in the all-star band Works Progress Administration. In recent years, Leisz has toured with Ray LaMontagne, Eric Clapton and Jackson Browne as a member of their respective backing bands. His collaboration with Browne extended to Cameron Crowe’s cable television series Roadies, on which he accompanied Browne on three songs in the last episode of the series.
Haitian singer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Beaubrun – son of Theodore “Lòlò” and Mimerose “Manzè” Beaubrun of the Grammy-nominated Haitian band Boukman Eksperyans – will also perform at the event. Beaubrun just released a new album, Ayibobo, weaving together Haitian roots music with rock and roll and reggae, which Beaubrun refers to as “roots/blues” music. Beaubrun, who has worked closely with Browne as well as the likes of Jonathan Wilson, Habib Koite, Raul Rodriguez, Jenny Lewis and Jon Russel, has recently been performing alongside bands and artists such as Arcade Fire, Lauryn Hill, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, David Byrne, and Maxwell.
In collaboration with J/P Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO) and Little Kids Rock (LKR), Music Heals International provides free music instruction, teacher training and musical instruments to Delmas 32 youth. MHI seeks to elevate marginalized children in Haiti and elsewhere by building their ability to successfully address life’s challenges.
In addition to a raucous concert, the event will have a silent auction and a brief live auction. Organizers are on the hunt for donations to the silent and live auction, from fashion and music to skin care, yoga classes, restaurant gift certificates and travel-related items. Email here to offer to donate.
The 411: Music Heals International‘s sixth anniversary benefit show at the Sweetwater Music Hall is on Monday, Oct. 15 at 8pm. It features Jackson Browne, Greg Leisz, Paul Beaubrun and many more. Tix are $252 for general admission, $402 including dinner. MORE INFO & TIX.