'The New Gig': Keith Richards, Sheryl Crow and Tony Bennett benefit concert is 'nothing short of magical'
The Jazz Foundation's Covid-19 benefit concert featuring performances from Angelique Kidjo, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Tony Bennett, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Keith Richards, and many more is giving quarantined folks some much-needed joy.
The event on May 14 saw everyone from Danny Glover and the Recording Academy lending their support and encouraging fans and viewers to donate towards the foundation's 'COVID-19 Musicians' Emergency Fund'. The fund will support unemployed musicians struggling to make ends meet during these uncertain times. As one viewer put it, "America's most significant art form needs us."
For many who are still stuck at home enduring the lockdown, this was one of the most welcome gifts ever. "It’s a #StayAtHome party tonight," tweeted one fan, while another shared, "Now groovin’ and given’ to #thenewgig relief concert; thanks."
One fan stated, "What a way to start a Friday Morning during breakfast!! Anjelique Kidjo," followed by a few music and heart-eye emojis, and another said, "Working hard from home today! #thenewgig."
Fans were moved by many of the performances from some legendary artists.
"Loved seeing @ShemekiaBlues and @ronniebbrooks. Brings back wonderful memories of seeing them live in Chicago years ago," tweeted one fan, while another stated, "Wow @SherylCrow could just...pack up and be a jazz singer now. #TheNewGig."
One fan shared, "Whoooo Robert Cray just singing 'get him out' over and over .. 'who is this man.. in the white house... walkin round like he's the new king' #TheNewGig watch & donate. Too bad you already missed the brass band covering 'Love will Tear Us Apart'." Another said, "Milton sang Ponta de Areia! From the great Native Dancer album with Wayne Shorter," and one fan tweeted, "Milton Nascimento singing Ponta de Areia just now on #TheNewGig after a message from Wayne Shorter was nothing short of magical. Love you guys."
One fan joked, "Where do I get a 504 hat like @IvanNeville?" while another stated in amazement, "Oh wow Keith Richards then Merry Clayton then Ivan Neville playing 'Wild Horses.'"
The show just went from one stunning performance to another. As one fan put it, "It gets better and better," while another fan stated, "Outstanding show from The Jazz Foundation for the benefit of unemployed musicians."
Naturally, experiencing the magic of Tony Bennett singing "Smile, though your heart is aching. Smile, even though it's breaking," as we all continue to live in a newly socially-distanced world was a highlight of the night that fans thoroughly relished. "SMIIIIILE," tweeted one fan, while another quoted the lyrics and shared an image of the moment.
Another fan said, "Uplifting music for these downturn days..."
Join in on the magic by streaming the concert or making a donation at TheJazzFoundation.org.