Mah-vel-ous Music in Malibu for the Midnight MissionReviewed By Marilyn Anderson
Guests attending the “From Malibu with Love” Benefit Concert for the Midnight Mission of Los Angeles were treated to an incredible night of killer musical talent. The concert on Friday, March 23, at the Malibu Performing Arts Center started with a set from Ilsey Juber, a newcomer with a great style and unique voice. The evening continued with A-list talent that kept the room rocking all night. There were performances by the Zen Cruisers, Jackson Browne, and Los Lobos. Richie Sambora (from Bon Jovi) served as the emcee—and also performed a bunch of sensational numbers, including a fabulous rendition of the Beatles’ “I Get High with a Little Help from My Friends.” Richie is not only super-talented and super-cute, but a man of tremendous generosity. When the live auction started, Richie made bids on almost all the items – and ended up winning the use of a Ferrari for four days along with a special dinner at a Malibu restaurant. (Hmmm—wonder who he’ll take? I’m available!) With many of the items, Richie also added a special treat to help raise more funds—a guitar lesson from Richie Sambora! The live auction included three one-of-a-kind guitars donated by Norman’s Rare Guitars, Fender Guitars, and Tom Petty, whose personal acoustic Takamin guitar sold for $10,000. The other guitars sold for $4,500 and $5,000. The last and highest bid item for the night came right off Richie Sambora’s wrist–an Ernst Benz ChronoScope watch with five solitaire diamonds from Alan Friedman Designs. The watch retails for $21,000 and sold at the auction for $12,000. In addition to the entertainment and live auction, there were a silent auction, champagne bar, and a catered dinner by Geoffrey’s Malibu for Platinum & Gold Ticket Holders. The evening raised approximately $70,000 in funds for the Midnight Mission. For nearly a century, the Midnight Mission has served the Los Angeles homeless population with empathy and respect and has made available food, shelter, and clothing to the men and women of Skid Row. A brief film was presented, and everyone was completely moved as one of the directors of the Midnight Mission introduced himself as a man who had been on the streets only eight years ago. “From Malibu with Love” was a truly memorable night for a worthy cause—and a rare opportunity to see such extraordinary talent in an intimate venue. For more info, visit: www.midnightmission.org |
