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Last year, Red Hot, which donates money to AIDS research, came out with their 20th compilation album, the amazing Dark Was the Night, featuring such great artists as David Byrne, Sharon Jones, Yeasayer, Bon Iver, and many others. If you don’t have the album I suggest you get it asap!
Last night there was a grand celebration to celebrate the album, with all proceeds going to Red Hot. It was at Radio City Music Hall and it really was great. The night began with a short set by the Dirty Projectors, and for two songs (one of which is one the album, “Knotty Pine”) they were joined by David Byrne.
Next up was My Brightest Diamond who blew everyone away with her version of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.” Man, that girl can sing. She returned throughout the night to sing with many of the other artists, including The National.
Next was The National, who played a handful of songs, including their song from the album “So Far Around the Bend,” as well as two new songs that were great. Can’t wait to hear more!
Dave Sitek from TV on the Radio came out next and sang his version of The Troggs’ “With a Girl Like You.” I have to say, I love this song.
Finally, to end the first half, David Byrne returned and played his three songs from previous Red Hot compilations: “Don’t Fence Me In,” “Dreamworld: Marco de Canavezes,” and “Waters of March (Aguas de Março)” which he sang with Feist and of course all of the songs were fabulous. He even came out with a drum band doing his fancy footwork that we all love.
The second half started off with Bon Iver, who played a great little set that got the crowd energized a bit. They played their song from the album, “Brackett, WI” as well as a few from their albums. They also brought out Matt Berninger from The National and My Brightest Diamond for some collaborations.
Next up was Feist. She played without a band, two acoustic songs and one electric, including a Little Wings cover. She was joined by Justin Vernon from Bon Iver for one song. Her set was not what I expected from her and I felt like she was trying hard to be someone else…although her voice did sound amazing.
Last but certainly not least was Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings who of course brought the energy like no one else can. They played a few songs, including her cover of Shuggie Otis’ “Inspiration Information” that is on the album.
Finally, all the other bands that had played earlier (except David Byrne!) came out and announced that in honor of Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday (which was being celebrated over at Madison Square Garden at the same time) they were going to sing “This Land Is Your Land.” They started in on a kind of pathetic low-key version, only to be stopped midway by Ms. Sharon Jones who announced that she and the Dap Kings were going to do their version, “if that was okay.” The crowd went nuts and they did their amazing version with everyone on stage. Great ending to a great night!
