2016 Rainforest Fund Benefit Concert

Hi everyone,

My view from up high

Tickets for this year's Rainforest Fund Benefit Concert didn't go on sale until one month before the event, and even then only a few performers were mentioned as part of the lineup. None of the performers overly excited me; some had performed for this show before, and I had no expectations about the newbies, since I hadn't heard them before.

Still, I felt lucky to get a seat in row B of the front center balcony. The concert's band – the 2016 Rainforest Fund All-Star Players, led as always by musical director/drummer Narada Michael Walden – included 14 musicians and 7 backup vocalists and featured members of the Orchestra of St. Luke's. As usual, a small row of (four) chairs were placed on the left side of the stage so that the performers could watch and enjoy each other's performances.

The main attractions

This year, the show moved from spring to winter, but no snowstorms blocked my way to Carnegie Hall on December 14. Also unlike years past, the concert was shortened by an hour, and some attendees near me felt cheated. While I too longed for a few more show-stopping moments, I was impressed by the show's efficiency this year. Besides, this year's theme was holiday and winter spirit. Did we really want three hours of Christmas music?

Another weird complaint I heard was that the sound wasn't perfect. I thought it was just me, but others agreed that there were moments when we couldn't understand what some performers said while others were loud and clear. As one attendee said about it on her way out, "I mean, this is Carnegie Hall; what's going on?" Nevertheless, I was thrilled to be there, as always. Here's a run down of the tunes.

1. Carol of the Bells – 2016 Rainforest Fund All-Star Players (aka the band). I've never liked the rocky version of this holiday classic, but I liked this evening's arrangement because it showcased the amazing band and muscled into jazz territory. It still had its signature electric guitars chords jamming at the start and finish but became a brand new beast in the middle, full of instrument solos, like saxophone and flute. The whole concoction was led by pounding drums and heavy bass, and the big finish was enhanced by the guitarists jumping dramatically and lighting swapping colors – red, blue, white – at the pace of the beat. This was an exciting start to the show.

2. Winter Wonderland – James Taylor with Chris Botti. I always look forward to seeing James Taylor at this concert, in which he has participated since 1992. He's always funny and his voice sounds amazing in Carnegie Hall. In honor of this year's theme, he and trumpeter Chris Botti wore winter coats, hats, and scarves while they performed "Winter Wonderland." I also liked the lighting in the background during this song, which displayed white tree branches along with dot and geometric patterns that reminded me of a snowy day. I was surprised that this was Chris Botti's only spotlight appearance during the concert, but he performed this song on James Taylor's own 2006 holiday album, James Taylor at Christmas.

3. Soul Cake – Sting. When Sting first appeared, he wore a long overcoat. For this song, he took it off to reveal the best outfit of the night: a black top with a bright yellow swirled design, a black skirt (which he wore to last year's Grammys), and heavy back boots. (He's such a rock star!) "Soul Cake" is one of my favorites from Sting's winter-inspired album If on a Winter's Night.... For it, he played guitar, surrounded in a huddle by backup singers. Their outfits all included some winter wear. The singers included a regular from Sting's own band, Jo Lawry, who wore a winter knit hat and scarf, as well as Lisa Fischer, who I know as a featured backup singer for the Rolling Stones and as part of the Oscar-nominated documentary 20 Feet from Stardom. (They have both attended this benefit before.) The grown-ups were also joined by a small group of singing children, also dressed in winter wear. Together, they created a warm folk sound and feel.

Break for Trudie Styler's Speech. After this song, Sting's wife Trudie Styler appeared to make her speech. Sting introduced her, noting her "very sexy dress." It was a good one: a sleek shiny silver long-sleeved dress that looked like liquid metal and ran just below the knee. She thanked all the performers, noting that this was the first concert they've held in December, a time to reflect on the joy of the holidays but also winter longing for people no longer with us or people in need, like the homeless. The songs chosen tonight represent all of these facets. She said that the Rainforest Foundation has raised $45 million since its inception, and this year was the first year they were called to action in the United States for the conflict about the pipeline development at Standing Rock, North Dakota. Some people from the Lakota Delegation were in the audience, and she blew kisses to them. She acknowledged that we were headed for challenging times. "This evening is not the time to comment on the incoming administration," she said. "Robert De Niro did that for us." (You can see what she's talking about here.) We laughed, despite our worries, and Trudie finished her speech. Then, we got right back to the music....

4. Let It Go – Idina Menzel and the Manhattan Girls Chorus. Trudie introduced "Let It Go," saying that it has become an anthem for young girls everywhere. Before it started, about 45 girls – the Manhattan Girls Chorus – in black dresses came out and sat hero-style across the length of the stage. I liked that one of them had purple hair. Idina Menzel, in a red pantsuit, stood at the center and sang. The girls stood and sang with her when it was time to do so. During this song, the lights were again like snow dots. Having Idina sing her signature song from Frozen to you in person is pretty amazing. She is "Elsa" after all, and she had a fantastic choir backing her up, which made this already inspiring song even more powerful.

5. River – James Taylor. I love Joni Mitchell's song "River." Before I heard her sing it, I knew it as a cover by one of my favorite bands, Travis. For his version, James Taylor played acoustic guitar, sitting on a stool and backed up by the band. Because of James Taylor's warm voice and the faster pace, I felt that this version sounded too upbeat for its sad lyrics, but I did like the three dancers (two guys and one girl) who swirled around the stage during the song, as if they were on the icy river. This song is included on the James Taylor at Christmas album.

After the song, James announced, "And now, back to Sting...."

6.  The Cherry Tree Carol –  Sting. Like James, Sting sat a stool playing guitar for this song, accompanied by the band and backup singers. I didn't recognize this song at first, but once I listened to it again, I realized I knew it. Sting said that "The Cherry Tree Carol" is his favorite Christmas carol. This song is available on Sting's album, If on a Winter's Night....

After the song, he began to introduce the next performer, saying how happy they were to have him and how amazing it was that he found the time to attend during this busy time of year. Audience members began calling for "Bruuuuuce [Springsteen]" who was on the list of performers, but it wasn't him; instead, Santa came on stage. Someone near me in the audience said to her friend, "But who is it? It's got to be someone."

7.  Vesti la Guibba from Il Pagliacci – Vittorio Grigolo. When opera singer Vittorio Grigolo took off his Santa hat and beard, he smiled at us, shrugging off the disappointed expectations for Bruce Springsteen. I don't know much opera, but I recognized "Vesti la Guibba" immediately from when Luciano Pavarotti sang it. Vittorio was so dramatic, singing tragic lyrics I couldn't understand. As he sang, he dropped the Santa hat and took off his jolly red coat, tossing both on the floor. By the end of the song, he staggered off stage in full misery. This guy's voice is amazing, and he was so fully invested. Though the fluffy red pants and suspenders over his white t-shirt conflicted with this emotional drama, we could all feel it – even in the top rows.

8. The Empty Chair – Sting. "The Empty Chair," written by Sting and J. Ralph, is on Sting's latest album, 57th and 9th, but it was written for a documentary, Jim: The James Foley Story. James Foley was a journalist who was kidnapped and killed in Syria in 2014. When Sting was asked to write this song for the film, he initially refused, unsure he was up to the task. He came up with a metaphor for the tragic story at Thanksgiving dinner, while surrounded by family. He imagined what it would be like if one of his own children was missing from the table – if there was an empty chair. He sang this song sitting on a stool, playing guitar with the band backing him up. "The Empty Chair" earned Sting his fourth Oscar nomination.

9. Nessun Dorma from Turandot – Vittorio Grigolo. "Nessun Dorma" is another song that I remembered from Luciano Pavarotti's version. Vittorio sang his version with the Manhattan Girls Chorus. Everyone erupted at the end, including Sting and others who watched from stage right. This guy is going places.

10. Frosty the Snowman – Ronnie Spector. For a complete change of pace, Sting introduced Ronnie Spector, the Rose of Spanish Harlem, who sang "Frosty the Snowman." This song was a hit for her all-girl band The Ronnettes. Tonight, she wore a fitted Santa jacket over black leggings, and her backup singers wore red dresses to match. They all had bouffant hairdos. It was during this song that I noticed members in the band wearing Santa hats.

11. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Ronnie Spector. Ronnie Spector started singing this song but then stopped it because she forgot to tell us the story first. She said that, as a kid, she worried about Santa not visiting her house because her family home didn't have a chimney. Her dad told her that, in New York, Santa uses the fire escapes. The next day, the milk and cookies she left for Santa were gone, so she knew he was real! She sang "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," which was another Ronnettes hit. Afterward, as she left the stage, she gave us a flirty flip of her coat.

12. Last Christmas – Sting. Sting changed his outfit to white shirt under a silky, shiny black suit. "Where are my girls," he asked, and five backup singers, including Jo Lawry and Lisa Fischer, came running out, some in winter coats, saying, "Here we are!" They huddled on either side of him as he said "There you are." As the music for "Last Christmas" started I, and the girls behind me, gasped with excitement and instantly began swaying and singing along. George Michael's music has this affect on us. Sting and the girls did a great job on this '80s favorite, though I later wrote in my journal, "Why didn't they get George Michael to sing it?" Now that surprise appearance would have been exciting! I miss you, George Michael!

13. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) – Darlene Love. Making the next introduction, Sting told us to welcome "the beautiful wall of sound that is Darlene Love." He was right; she was thrilling to hear. Maybe it helped that I love this song and forgot she made it famous. She looked beautiful too, in a white wide-leg pantsuit over a red sparkly bustier with red high heels. Her warm energy was contagious, and when the song ended and we quietly waited for the next performer, a lone voice yelled out what we all wanted, "Darlene, come back!"    

14. Baby, It's Cold Outside – Idina Menzel and James Taylor. Oh well, I love "Baby, It's Cold Outside" too. For this song, James played his guitar, and the band backed him and Idina up. James Taylor included this song, a duet with Natalie Cole, on his James Taylor at Christmas album, but I like the classic Ella Fitzgerald version with Louis Jordan best.

After it was over, James exclaimed, "I Darlene Love it! Bring her back out!"

15. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree – Darlene Love. We all cheered because Darlene Love was again awesome, singing "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." She (and Vittorio Grigolo with his amazing voice) was the highlight of the concert for me.

16.  I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day – Sting. To preface his performance, Sting said, "I promise you, this is the stupidest song you'll hear all night. It was a huge hit in Britain in the '70s, and it's called 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day.' That sounds like a form of torture to me, but..." (I think I know the source of Sting's distaste. Watch this video for the song if you want some nightmare material.) For someone who doesn't like this song, Sting did some great dance moves while he sang it. I was unfamiliar with this song (and didn't care for it either), but I heard it in a mall a few weeks later, so I guess Sting is right: it's popular.

After the song was over, it got quiet. Sting said, "Uh, I have no idea what's going to happen next..." Then, a voice came from the orchestra-level audience: "Ho Ho Ho! This is your Jersey Santa Claus!" Bruce Springsteen came down the aisle to the stage while Sting looked out, asking, "Santa?" Bruce had everyone at "Jersey."

17. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – Bruce Springsteen. I'd only seen Bruce Springsteen in person once before when he performed at this benefit a few years ago. I was indifferent to his music – some of it I like, some of it I don't, and probably most of it I don't know. For a while, I got sick of hearing his version of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" on the radio when it was released as a single, but I know how popular he is. His live performances have a joyous energy; he has that effect on the audience, and having experienced it, I understand why he has such an avid following. He becomes one with the crowd when he performs.

18. Merry Christmas Baby – Bruce Springsteen. Case in point, during "Merry Christmas Baby," which Bruce also released years ago as a single, he sat on the edge of the stage and eventually jumped down to sing from the aisles. He was swarmed by women in the audience, and he jokingly called out, "Security?" He was participating in a bunch of fan selfies while he sang, which impressed me. The crowd followed him wherever he wandered until he made it back on stage.

19. Tenth Avenue Freeze Out  – Bruce Springsteen and Lisa Fischer. "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out" brought out the crowd's love for Bruce even more than his Christmas songs. Everyone was jumping, swaying, and singing along. This great rendition showcased Lisa Fischer's powerful voice; she and Bruce made a great match. This classic Springsteen song, while not originally a duet with the wonderful Lisa Fischer, is available on Bruce's Born to Run album.

20. Do You Hear What I Hear? – Jennifer Nettles and company. Sting introduced Jennifer Nettles as a special surprise guest that they were lucky to have. I didn't know who she was, but I liked her sparkly silver pants. She acknowledged her dread about following Bruce but said, "Here goes..." Available on her own To Celebrate Christmas album, she started singing "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and was eventually joined by the other performers. Idina Menzel, Darlene Love, and others trickled on stage until they were all there in a row spanning the entire space; the women were on her right side while the men were on her left.  

21. Joy to the World – Jennifer Nettles and everyone. For "Joy to the World," the dancers and backup singers joined the lineup. I could tell that interesting harmonies were happening but the sound, which had been spotty at times throughout the concert, was most noticeably insufficient during this song, which would have most benefited from it. (It's a bummer to miss those harmonies in Carnegie Hall!) Sting rattled off all the performers' and band members' names, but he was also hard to understand beyond the music. I did hear him call for Trudie Styler, and when she joins in, you know it's the finale.


After being treated to 3-hour concerts, including an intermission, all these years, when the lights turned on, many of us were left with a feeling of "That's it?" Still, as I mentioned, I appreciated this year's polished efficiency. Other years, I've heard people complain about the drawn-out length with too many speeches and other business.

People are never fully satisfied, but I've always loved these concerts. They're always special one-of-a-kind experiences that I'm lucky to have. I look forward to returning here for another one in 2018!

Best,






Image credits: Aside from the Bruce Springsteen fan shot (© Showbiz411), all professional concert images are © Kevin Kane and Kevin Mazar at Getty Images.

2014 Rainforest Fund Benefit Concert

Hi everyone,

Last April, I attended the biennial concert benefiting the Rainforest Fund, a charity founded by Sting and his wife Trudie Styler to protect the forests and the people who live there. When I moved from Ohio to D.C. in 2001, I discovered that tickets to these concerts were relatively affordable ($150 and beyond), and New York was easy to get to by bus or train. Being a devoted Sting fan, I had to go, and I've been hooked ever since!

Always performed in Carnegie Hall, one of New York's most beautiful landmarks, these concerts guarantee a unique, unforgettable experience. You can read about the 2012 concert here. While some concerts have boasted better lineups than others (for my taste, anyway), I always leave with the same exhilarated feeling that only good music brings the soul.

This year, I assumed that extra special planning would be in the works to acknowledge the charity's 25th year. Instead, tickets went on sale with no prior announcement from Sting or Trudie and no clues about who would perform. Luckily, I Googled to find the concert's date, which was listed on a random website. Then, I just kept checking Carnegie Hall's April calendar, waiting for the event to show up. When it did, I bought my ticket without knowing who was going to be there. I assumed Sting was locked into showing up, and that was good enough for me. Also, I've attended this concert enough times to know I wouldn't be disappointed. I felt good about this leap of faith.

A while after the tickets went on sale, a list of some of the scheduled performers was released like an afterthought. Sting and Trudie Styler began showing up on TV and Facebook only about a week in advance, encouraging people to attend the concert. Despite this seemingly lax marketing effort, the show was very well attended and went on with the level of quality I expect from Trudie Styler and company. Here's a rundown on what happened.

The stage is set.
The stage seemed crowded with instruments and equipment this year. The 2014 Rainforest Fund All-Star Players, directed as usual by drummer Narada Michael Walden, included members of the St. Luke's Orchestra (conducted by Charles Floyd) and at least 15 other musicians and seven backup singers.

Thinking back, what threw me off was not the number of people on stage but an unexpected piece of furniture. What I thought was a white upright piano turned out to be a bar, complete with stools. Maybe this is an upgrade from the rows of folding chairs, where the performers could sit onstage to watch their friends singing, I thought. We were apparently in for a party.

Enjoy a view from the top – if you can.
Typically, I get a seat in the cheap section. By "cheap" I mean the $150 to $175 range, which is the top balcony. You know it's the cheap section when you climb five flights of stairs, are told to go out an exit door to climb three or so more, and then receive a final warning that the level you're currently standing on – which is not yet your destination – is the last level that has a bathroom. Despite the height (and maybe because of it), you still get a grand view of the stage (see my vantage point at right). Some years, I've bought more expensive seats in different sections of the hall only to discovered that my cheaper seat is not much different and sometimes better.

The down side to this section is that I've always been surrounded by people who don't pay the performers or the venue the proper respect I feel they deserve. Some people are dressed in jeans, most are using their cell phones or are not paying attention in other annoying ways, and a few leave before the show is over. This year, I was stuck between two women who enjoyed the show, as far as I could tell. But the one on my left didn't return after the intermission, and a woman on my right kept borrowing my binoculars and asking me who each performer was – despite the detailed-with-performer-photos program we were all given and the introductions made before every performance. At times, they distracted me from fully focusing on the show, but I'll do my best to describe it.

It's Showtime!
Each concert usually has a theme, like Motown, The Beatles, or movie songs. This year, they seemed to choose whatever song they considered to be a classic - be it show tunes, Nirvana, opera, rock, or something else. This show had a little bit of everything for everyone. Luckily, the performers have good taste. Here's what happened:

• The white bar was there for a reason! Kevin Spacey served as bartender with Sting as his customer. They sang What a Swell Party as a duet until James Taylor stumbled onto the stage wearing a lampshade on his head. All three of them topped it off as best they could in their drunken state. Kevin even did a little soft shoe. My ticket was worth it already.

Sting stuck around as the bar was pushed off stage and everyone else left. He reintroduced Kevin Spacey as "President Underwood," his character on the Netflix series House of Cards. When the initial list of concert performers was finally released, I was most excited to see Kevin Spacey's name. I assumed that he'd just make a speech, but I don't know why I stopped there since I know he can do so much more!

• Taking over as emcee, Kevin Spacey talked about the concert and the cause behind it. Then he said, "But, first, the Johnny Carson impression." Aside from the phenomenal acting and apparent tap dancing skills, he does impressions that always make me laugh. He told some jokes as Johnny Carson, including that he ran into Christopher Walken at Carnegie Hall, who advised [in Christopher Walken's voice], "Prac-tice, prac-tice, prac-tice..." Did I mention he sings really well too? Did you all see him as Bobby Darin in Beyond the Sea? As he belted out That's Life, I think Sinatra was in the room and, at the end, everyone cheered like it too.  

After the song, Kevin Spacey continued, "Sting introduced me as Underwood. Let me just say this [in Bill Clinton's voice], 'I love that House of Cards. I don't know how accurate it is. You could never get an education bill passed that fast." He then introduced Renee Fleming, who sang two opera pieces.

• O Mio Babbino Caro is an aria about a girl who threatens her dad that she'll jump off a bridge if he forbids her to marry the boy she loves. (Look it up; you'll recognize the melody.)  

• La Ci Darem La Mano is from Don Giovanni, which she was currently performing at the New York's Metropolitan Opera House. For this piece, three microphones were set up, and she said that she was looking for someone to perform the song with her. Behind her, all the members of the horn section volunteered, wearing period-style hats adorned with neon-colored feathers along the rims. "Those hats are the correct period, but I'm not sure about the fringe," she said. "I don't know what kind of Don Giovanni that would be." Luckily, someone else came trotting out to save the day: "Oh! Oh, here comes Sting. Okay!" He held a rose while they sang in Italian. Mid song, Kevin Spacey walked out, holding a sunflower and began competing for her affections, despite Sting's dismay and attempts to wave him off. They all sang together, but at the end, Oscar Isaac showed up with an entire bouquet of flowers and stole her away. They walked off stage, leaving Sting and Kevin Spacey sulking.

• Kevin Spacey, then introduced James Taylor, who sat on a stool with his guitar. When James Taylor didn't attend the 2012 concert, I really missed him. Since attending these concerts, I've fallen for his voice, his sense of humor, and his calm, thoughtful demeanor. The acoustics of Carnegie Hall are perfect for him. He told us that he'd been to all but two of these concerts. "Every year, it stretches me to do something outside my comfort zone, which is a good thing, I think. This next song is definitely smack dab in the middle of my comfort zone. I think I've done it thee times on this stage." To everyone's supreme joy, he performed his classic Fire and Rain.  

• Next, James Taylor introduced Chris Botti, who played his trumpet with violinist Caroline Campbell  for a great song called Sketches of Spain, which I'd never heard before. I was unfamiliar with the violinist, but I  first heard of Chris Botti when he joined Sting's band years ago. Since then, he's continued solo and been busy; he explained the rise in his popularity in an interview once, saying, "Be friends with Sting." The most memorable moment of this performance for me was when he played a single note on his trumpet for a ridiculous length of time. I'm convinced that he and Sting must do yoga together to get their exhales to extend that far.

• Sting came out next and sang When We Dance, which is one of my all-time favorite Sting songs. He had changed outfits from a gray fitted shirt with a black flower pattern on it, white cream jacket, and black pants to a black three-piece suit. Two ballet dancers, Alessandra Ferri and Herman Cornejo, swayed and twirled next to him as he sang. They were so moving to watch, set to this beautiful melody and lyrics. They must really be in love, I thought. When the song ended, I came back down to Earth and realized it was more likely that they were just excellent, convincing dancers. 

• Dionne Warwick was next with two songs, Walk On By and Anyone Who Had a Heart. I was unfamiliar with and really liked the latter song. She was one of the "big names" for this year's concert, but I felt indifferent about the idea of seeing her. Of course, she sounded wonderful. She even reminded me of Whitney Houston in the way she talked with the audience. She also looked fantastic with snow white hair a sheer blousey green pattern shirt that was tied in front and long in back, black trousers, and kitten heels. I'm all about the outfits. 

Kevin Spacey returned to check on us: "Are you having a good night?" Yes, thank you. He apparently forgave Oscar Isaac for stealing away Renee Fleming and brought him back to the stage.

• You probably know Oscar Isaac best from the Coen Brothers movie Inside Llewyn Davis, in which he played a struggling folk singer. He really plays guitar and was accompanied here by more guitarists and little bit of drums. He sang Young Turks, and everyone around me sang along. Sting joined in our enthusiasm, exclaiming afterward, "I love that song!"

• When Oscar left the stage, Sting continued, "The sign of an important song is one that conjures up a time in your life." He reminisced about starting out with The Police, driving a station wagon across the U.S., staying in sketchy hotels, and struggling to make it as a musician. "This song," he said, "brings that all into focus. He started playing  his acoustic guitar and singing Paul Simon's "America" He tells his same story while performing this song on tour with Paul Simon, but it's still just as effective. As he started to play and everyone recognize it, an audible "Awww..." filled the room. It sounded beautiful in Carnegie Hall and might be my favorite performance of the night. 

• As that song finished up, Stephen Stills walked out playing his electric guitar to drown out the moment and blast into another with For What It's Worth. Toward the end, other performers joined in, singing along, including Sting, Patti Scafia, James Taylor, Kevin Spacey, Dionne Warwick, Joe Sumner, and Trudie Styler. During this song, the woman to my left swayed in her seat, singing along word-for-word, to her own tune, in her own way, directly in my ear. It was kind of a bummer, because I too love that song and wished I could better hear Stephen Stills singing it. 

Here are some things to ponder during intermission (and beyond).

Sting's wife Trudie Styler, who produces this event, makes a speech at every concert. This time, she noted that the fund has raised $35 million so far, the vast majority of which comes from these Carnegie Hall concerts. She said she's is always asked why she and Sting work on this charity, and her response is two words: people and planet. "This is not the Wild West," she says of the land being destroyed. "This not ours for the taking." She gave examples of global warming, extreme weather, fires, and natural disasters, explaining that it's all connected. "There is only one [planet]. We have to change." This statistic surprised me: Fourteen companies are responsible for two-thirds of carbon emissions. She stressed that they have to change. Trudie Styler is a passionate, impressive speaker, and I'm always inspired after listening to her.

Next, she introduced another good speaker, Bill Clinton! Everyone broke the rules and got out their cell phones immediately to snap photos. He said, "I'm here to tell you that the break is on its way." The woman to my right, noticing the heightened excitement upon this man's appearance, asked me who he was. (I swear!) "Every tree in every rainforest is better left standing than cut down," he reminded us. He thanked all of the performers, naming a few, and then said, "I know Kevin Spacey came out here to make fun of me." Kevin Spacey was behind him. They hugged and kept their arms around each other as he continued speaking, sharing that they went to Africa together once and people couldn't tell who was talking. "I've always admired you and wished I could be in your line of work," he told Kevin. "Dammit if you didn't get into mine!" Bill's so smooth.

Stephen Stills returned to end the first half of the show performing the instrumental Amazonia as a we watched a video on a wall-mounted screen behind him, showing the work of the Rainforest Fund and the people it helps. I thought this whole presentation was quite well done and effective. I thought about it well into our intermission and after the show, and I hope the rest of the audience did too.

They're Back!

• Opening the second half, Lisa Fischer (longtime backup singer for The Rolling Stones who was in the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet From Stardom) and newcomer Ivy Levan kicked off the second half of the concert with powerful performances of two Rolling Stone songs, Start Me Up and Jumping Jack Flash. Sometimes, Lisa Fischer's voice overpowered Ivy Levan's. Their performance together was fantastic, but if they were competing on The Voice, the winner is clear. I fantasized about Mick and Keith interrupting them, but that didn't happen. 

• Next, Sting's daughter Eliot Sumner appeared as if she just woke on up on street corner and forgot to shower.  (She's so talented and I love her. I only mention this because the last time I saw her at this concert a few years ago, she was very glam. Apparently, this is her new look. Of course, the woman next to me asked who she was, and I explained it was Sting's daughter. She exclaimed, "That's a girl?") She sang Born to Be Wild, which was good but I wished she had performed a quieter song that fit her voice better. The last time I saw her at this concert, she sang an amazing song of her own called, "Bohemian Love" on acoustic guitar. Everyone was so attentive, you could have heard a pin drop – until she was finished, when we erupted in cheers because we all knew a star had just been born! For me, the bar was set high for this appearance.

• Her older brother, Joe Sumner, came out next to perform Smells Like Teen Spirit. He also performed at this concert before, the same one where Eliot Sumner looked glamorous and blew everyone aways with her song. Back then, he was the grungy one with long hair. I saw him again shortly after that, opening for Sting with his band Fiction Plane. Now, at this concert, he looked like a businessman. The siblings have  apparently swapped stylists. Joe Sumner is a good screamer, so this song was a good fit for him. I remember reading that Nirvana is a big influence on his music, so I wasn't surprised by this choice. They both must have just picked a favorite song.

• Sting returned and introduced a friend of 25 years, Patti Scafia (Bruce Springsteen's wife). They sang a lovely rendition of Stand By Me, during the middle of which they slow danced. And, as they finished, Sting knelt on one knee, holding her hand. It was a sweet performance, and I liked Patti Scafia's unique voice, which I don't think I've noticed before.

• Next, James Taylor appeared, but I didn't recognize him at first. He changed from his typical suit attire into a casual jacket with khakis  and a pageboy hat. He looked like he just stepped out of Newsies. He sang How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), to which everyone in the room swayed, including Sting and Trudie Styler who were watching from behind a partition that shielded the backstage entrance. Awww, she gave Sting a quick kiss during this song. (These are the kinds of things you can see from these seats.) 

• Next, Paul Simon sang Graceland and The Boxer. For "The Boxer," Sting sang backing vocals, as they do on their current joint tour. I love the harmonies they do on this song. This song showcases how their voices are a perfect combination. I always think of Paul Simon as a funny guy because I remember always seeing him on Saturday Night Live. Here, though, he told some bad jokes that I didn't get. Sting just shook his head at them, and Paul explained that only people in the Amazon, with their dry sense of humor, would understand them. Paul did say some nice things, though, about the work that Sting and Trudie have done for the Rainforest Fund. He got everyone to give Sting a standing ovation for their efforts. I'm all for that, of course.   

• Sting spoke to get the show moving again. "You know, when Artie would sing, he'd send Paul off the stage. Well, tonight, Paul, I'm not going to send you off the stage. I want you to stand right there while I sing your song." Everyone laughed, and together they sang Bridge Over Troubled Water, as they have on their tour. At one point during the song, Sting held the note for "I will ease your mind...." for so long that the audience began clapping and cheering before he was finished. (I'm telling you, it's the yoga!) When they finished the song, Sting pointed at Paul and exclaimed, "He wrote that!" Everyone cheered and they hugged. 

• Stephen Stills closed the show with another perfect song, "Love The One Your With," for which everyone joined him on stage, played, and sang along. Our hosts, Sting (shaking maracas) and Trudie, were the last ones out.

Good night!
As anticipated, we were all exhilarated by this one-of-a-kind show. When I met a friend for lunch the next day, still delirious from the night before, I described the show as a motley group of people who played their favorite or best-known songs. A while into my incoherent ramblings, my friend interrupted and said, "So, who else was there because so far you've only mentioned Dionne Warwick..." Hopefully, I did a better job here. 

Visit the Rainforest Fund to learn more about this great charity!

Best,

Image credits: Rainforest Fund logo and concert save-the-date ad © Rainforest Fund; all concert photos © Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Better Late Than Never: The 2012 Rainforest Fund Benefit

Hi everyone,

This concert, which took place on April 3rd, may be old news, but you might still like to hear about it. I used to e-mail a minute-by-minute report of this event to my friends. This year, I thought my blog might be an easier way to share. So, here you go!

Joining Sting and Friends--For a Good Cause

If you follow my blog, you're probably aware of my unwavering love for Sting and his music. The Kitties listen to his music just as much as I do. (See here.) When I moved from Ohio to D.C. in 2001,  I decided to attend my first Rainforest Fund Benefit Concert. The Rainforest Fund is a charity Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler, started in 1989 in an effort to help save the Amazon Rainforest and the peoples who live there. The concert, held at Carnegie Hall in New York City, was now easier for me to get to from D.C., and--to my surprise--it was relatively affordable!

The first time I went, I learned that each concert has a theme and, for the most part, the performers only sang songs related to it rather than their own. And, while this concert is for a great cause, it's also an excuse for Sting to get his friends together and have a big party. Along with Sting, regulars include Elton John, James Taylor, and Billy Joel (though he hasn't shown up for the last few). That year, guests Smokey Robinson, The Impressions, and Nina Simone joined them, among others. By the time Stevie Wonder appeared, playing his harmonica on Sting's song, "Brand New Day," I had decided to always go to this concert.

So far, I have. Produced by Trudie Styler, the concert is hosted every two years, and some years have been better than others. I admit, for me, the 2010 concert was so underwhelming that I questioned attending this year's event. But, at the last second, I realized that my "bad time" at that concert was more due to my own circumstances--work stress, buying a late ticket, unfortunate seating near obnoxious yuppies--rather than the concert itself. Besides, the year I don't go, Paul McCartney or Barack Obama will show up, and then I'll be sad.

So I bought my ticket, and it was obviously fate! This year's theme was Songs from the Silver Screen: If any concert was meant for me, this was it! (I do love my movies!)

As luck would have it, the day I left for my trip to New York, I felt like I had the flu. Every inch of my body ached, I had the chills, and my head was foggy. I took a freezing 4 1/2-hour bus ride, stepped out into the rain on 28th Street, and power-walked to my hotel on 49th. This year, I decided to stay in New York an extra night and packed my agenda. The first evening I was there, I attended another charity concert, which benefitted Paul Newman's charity, SeriousFun. I wrote about that here. (Believe me, I don't attend benefit concerts often; these just happen to be two charities that are close to my heart and which had events that were serendipitously back-to-back.) The Rainforest Fund Benefit was on the second night. By then, I was in full denial of my cold. So, on with the show....

What Every Concertgoer Should Know

Carnegie Hall is a beautiful building. The Isaac Stern Auditorium has crimson seating, golden ornate decor with cream walls, and a gigantic chandelier. It's very glamorous, so I always get dressed up--no matter how many people around me are in jeans and texting obliviously instead of soaking in the grand surroundings. Granted, I'm in the "cheap" seats, about seven flights up, from which the performers look like grasshoppers. It was extra-special this year when I realized I had forgotten my binoculars in my hotel room. Binoculars are good for seeing details. (I like to inspect things.) Luckily, I arrived really early because I'm neurotic that way. I had time, so I ran the eight blocks back to my hotel room, retrieved my binoculars, raced back to Carnegie Hall,  and up the seven flights of stairs to my seat with five minutes to spare. (Yeah, in heels--It never occurred to me to look for the elevator.) Yes, it's very glamorous.

The concert always uses a house band, usually comprised of the same group of people, if available, and always directed by drummer Michael Narada Walden. They're all amazing musicians, though I only recognize a few names. This year, the band added an orchestra in front, conducted by Gil Goldstein.

On the right side of the stage, there's always a cluster of chairs in front of the house band. These are for the performers who, instead of heading straight backstage, have the option to sit and watch each other perform until it's their turn again. Binoculars come in handy here. None of the reviews I've read about these concerts ever tell me what Sting or Elton John are doing on the side while James Taylor is singing a song for the audience. These are the kinds of things I like to know!

One other thing to note about this concert is that it's pretty relaxed. While I know they rehearse their songs and the show always runs smoothly, it feels as if they've all just shown up to sing on the spot as a special treat for us. Rather than have an official emcee, they introduce each other as they take turns performing. They joke, they hug, they laugh, they even mess up sometimes. Despite the grandeur of the atmosphere and the big names, the evening is intimate. I feel like a fly on the wall watching famous old friends being themselves and sharing their good time. To me, that alone is worth the pricey ticket.

Cue music! 

Okay, here's what I saw and heard:

• The concert began with sweeping orchestral movie music, as four characters strolled out hand-in-hand. It was The Tinman (Sting, wearing a "tin" hat and big red heart pinned to the lapel of his black jacket), Dorothy (Meryl Streep in a white floor-length gown and ruby slippers, holding Toto in her arms), The Scarecrow (James Taylor wearing a scruffy hat and red bandana around his neck) and The Cowardly Lion (Elton John sporting a Badge of Courage and furry wristbands). They sang, If I Only Had a Brain.
• James Taylor then sang Over the Rainbow on his own. When I first started coming to these concerts, James Taylor was the performer I was least excited about seeing, mainly because I didn't know much about him or his music. Since that first concert, he's become one of the people I look forward to seeing most. A pretty quiet guy with an amazing voice, he's always entertaining and really funny! He wasn't able to attend the 2010 concert, and I'm counting that as one of the strikes against it. I was so happy to see him here, even if this version of "Over the Rainbow" was a little too fast-paced for my taste and he sounded nothing like Judy Garland.
• Sting was set to introduce the next performer as everyone else took their seats on the side. As he watched Meryl Streep getting settled, he said, "Ah, yes, like all women, she is many: She's the French Leiutenant's Woman, the devil who wears Prada, The Iron Lady, and, now, she's Dorothy!" Then, he introduced Vince Gill, who sang I Can't Stop Loving You with the house band's backup singers (four ladies and two guys). I'm not a big country music fan, so I'm unfamiliar with Vince Gill. But I was impressed.

• Vince Gill then sang All I have to Do is Dream as a duet with Rita Wilson. Yes, that's Tom Hanks's wife. She has a debut album out of duets, and this is one of them. It was nice, but the best part was watching Meryl Streep swaying in her seat, singing along to it. Elton John, who sat next to her, joined in, and they were in the moment!
• Welsh opera singer, Bryn Terfel, was next with Dream the Impossible Dream. I think we could all conquer the world after that.
• Elton John dedicated Moon River to two people who recently passed away, bandmember Greg Clark and Whitney Houston, who had participated in this benefit before (though I never saw her). I'm so glad someone picked this song because I love it, but like "Over the Rainbow," I prefer the one I'm used to hearing. Elton John's voice is different from Audrey Hepburn's in every possible way. 
• I was interested to see Roseanne Cash, who sang next. (Is it bad that my only reason is her relation to Johnny Cash? While, in general, I don't like country music, Johnny Cash is one of my rare exceptions.) She sang a fantastic version of The Ode to Billy Joe.
• Elton John then introduced Bruno Mars, and I was shocked at how deafening the crowd became the instant he hit the stage. The woman who sat directly in my line of sight in the front row of my section served as a prime example: As Bruno sang Unchained Melody, she punched the air, whooped, and cheered with every fancy note. Apparently, I'm out of the loop about Bruno, but he was good.
• Sting and Meryl Streep walked out next. "About 28 years ago now, I made a film with Meryl called Plenty, for which I spent one of the most enjoyable afternoons of my life making out with Meryl Streep on a sofa," Sting said. (Meryl belly-laughed!) "Our relationship has evolved since then...." (I totally forgot about that movie until he mentioned it! That relationship does not end well.) They sang Let's Call The Whole Thing Off, and it was super-sweet!
• Then, James Taylor talked about the next song he planned to sing, Old Man River: "This is one of my favorite songs of all time, sung by the great...the great....uh, what's his name?" Someone shouted it from the audience. "Right! Paul Robeson, who was known just as much for his hard life and political views as for his beautiful voice." Of course, no one sounds like Paul Robeson, but James Taylor did a worthy version of this great song. 
• Then, Sting strolled out with an umbrella, doodling just like Gene Kelly! He sang Singin' in the Rain  as a tap dancing lady twirled around him. She tried to coax him into some steps, but he shugged and stuck to singing. At the end, they wandered off stage arm and arm. I could go on about how nobody performs this song like Gene Kelly, but I appreciate the thought and effort. You know that Sting sang this one just for me! 
• Jennifer Hudson then made her first appearance, singing the first movie song that I didn't recognize, called And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going. (Duh, it's apparently her signature song from Dreamgirls.) Jennifer Hudson has a great voice, is an American Idol finalist, earned an Oscar, and I know everyone loves her. I hate to say it, but she's too loud for my ears. 

Notes to Note During the Intermission

Sting's wife Trudie always makes a speech about the work of the Rainforest Fund during the first half of the concert. She did so just after Sting channeled Gene Kelly, promptly knocking me off my cloud and sinking my spirits with her passionate plea. But the first thing she did this year was point out and thank Bill Clinton for attending the concert! He was just sitting there in first-tier balcony! I went into action with my binoculars, but I didn't recognize anyone near him. Where was his security?! What's he doing here??? Wait, has Trudie started her speech?

Trudie's speeches about the plight of the Amazon Rainforest are always so intense that I end up feeling as though we're all going to die in 20 years if we don't do something about it. This time, she not only talked about the disappearing forest, but reported that a native tribe leader was just shot dead this past weekend while defending his land from illegal loggers. Enjoy the rest of the show.

I spent the intermission reviewing the notes I'd taken in the dark, making sure they're legible. I have tiny notebooks in which I write the names of the songs--or at least enough to remember what they were--and who sang them. I only do this at these kinds of concerts where there are too many singers singing songs that they don't normally sing because I won't remember anything afterward. I rarely pay attention to what I'm writing because I don't want to look down and miss anything on stage, so it usually ends up a slanted scribble of chicken scratch that only I can decipher. (I hope!)
 

On with the Show...

• To open the second half of the show, Meryl Streep walked to center stage into the spotlight and sang, Wish Upon a Star. As Chris Farley would say, that was awesome.
• Bryn Terfel then sang Roxanne. I just remembered now that Eddie Murphy sang this song in 48 Hours. Bryn sang "Roxanne" at Sting's 60th birthday concert at New York's Beacon Theatre last October. At first, I thought that was the only reason he was singing it again here--per Sting's request--because Sting thinks this version is his song's greatest transformation. I couldn't take it seriously then, and I still heard giggles around me in Carnegie Hall because it's still "Roxanne," the loud, angst-ridden Police classic. I get that Sting doesn't want to play it the same way every night, but turning "Roxanne" opera is just too much of a stretch. I thought the song sounded better this time around, though. Maybe it's because I've heard this version before or because the added backup singers made it more accessible. However, the best part of this performance was done by Channing Tatum and his wife, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, who danced the Tango! I started seeing Channing Tatum everywhere in the last year or so, playing goofball characters in movies and on Saturday Night Live. I was baffled by his name on the stagebill, but I just recently discovered the connection: He was in a movie that Trudie Styler produced in 2006 called A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints. (I don't remember him in this movie, but it's excellent and recommended!) Channing Tatum first got noticed as a dancer in Step Up  (in which he costarred with his wife). So now, I get it: He's got moves! 
• Sting then sang the theme from MASH, Suicide is Painless. I didn't know this song had lyrics. They're depressing lyrics, but Sting's made a career out of singing depressing lyrics to uplifting tunes. He's good at it, and this was one of my favorite performances of the night!
• Then, Rosanne Cash sang Everybody's Talkin', a wonderful song that was, again, sung wonderfully.

• Next, James Taylor sang Shall We Dance, which was also wonderful. In the middle, he approached the performers seated on the side and held out his hand to each of the ladies. They all shook their heads in refusal, one by one, as he made his way down the line. Rita Wilson, who sat at the end, saved the day: She shrugged and accepted  his invitation. They danced around the stage for a bit and then back to her seat so he could finish the song.
• Elton John introduced the orchestra and then addressed the audience: "It's been a tradition that I humiliate myself at this concert. [It's true.] This  year is no exception." He sang Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend as Channing Tatum slinked out to join him. As Elton sang, Channing adorned him with a giant diamond necklace. He also fastened a chain around Elton's waist, positioned so that a huge diamond dangled between his legs. Elton twirled and shimmied this trinket with bravado as Channing danced around him burlesque-style for the duration of the song. When it was over, they both cracked up, hugged, and scurried off stage. 
• "Well, I guess I can cross that off my bucket list: Follow Elton at Carnegie Hall after a bedazzled dance.....Where's the Tango Lady?" Vince Gill was on his own. He sang Pretty Woman with one of the backup singers, and it was really good! 
• Then, Jennifer Hudson returned and sang The Weight. It was still too much, too loud. But it might just be my ears because, afterward, Sting walked out and exclaimed, "'Follow that!' he said. "You can't." 
• Sting gave the audience a look and continued, "But, I've got a secret weapon, Esperanza..." That's Esperanza Spalding, the Grammy-winning bassist extraordinaire! The first time I saw Esperanza, she was just starting out, appearing for the first time on the Late Show with David Letterman. Since then, she's shot to the top, and now I can say I knew her way back when. She is cool! Sting sang, Be Bop A-Lula, with Esperanza playing her giant double bass next to him. People in the audience squealed as if Sting were Elvis! That's entertainment.
• Next, Elton John sang Rock Around the Clock, and all the performers, who were seated on the side, got out of their chairs and danced with each other: Rita Wilson and Sting, Jennifer Hudson and Vince Gill, Rosanne Cash and Bryn Terfel, Meryl Streep and James Taylor, Esperanza Spalding and Bruno Mars, and Channing and Jenna Tatum. 
• Bruno Mars then took the stage next with a great rendition of Jailhouse Rock with the Tatums swing dancing throughout.

And Now, A Message from a President

It was time for another speech, which is unusual, but I guess it's also unusual to have a president in the audience. Bill Clinton took the stage! "I want to thank Bruno Mars for letting me channel my inner-Elvis," he said and did his best impression, "Thank you very much!" Like Trudie, he gave an impassioned speech about the disappearing rainforest, which he summed up with, "Well, you heard what Trudie said." His speech had a more uplifting pep talk flavor: We can do this! We can make change! It's possible to fix this, and we have to fix this! I felt a little better about things.

The End

For the finale, Esperanza Spalding appeared in the spotlight. Behind her, she was surrounded by the six backup singers. A capella, they sang the choral start of You Can't Always Get What You Want, one of my all-time favorite songs. (What movie is that in?) It was beauty-ful! I wished that she would have sung the whole thing herself, but for the finale, everyone has to participate. They all walked on stage, taking turns singing and thanking the band and guests.

The show has redeemed itself! It was fantastic this year, organized to perfection with no lagging moments and no show-hogging performers. It was a perfect balance of equal brilliance! Well done, everyone! 

There's a gala dinner after the concert, but it would take a good chunk of my savings to attend that. My celebration is much more low-key: I picked up a slice of sweet potato pie and a cup of herbal tea, which I enjoyed in my tiny hotel room in my pajamas in front of the TV watching Jimmy Fallon. It, too, was all very glamorous.

Best,

Image copyright credits: Rainforest Fund logo and concert poster: Rainforest Fund; If I Only Had a Brain photo: Getty Images; First Collage Photos--Rita Wilson and Vince Gill: WireImage; Bryn Terfel: Reuters; Roseanne Cash: AP; Bruno Mars: Getty Images; Sting and Meryl Streep: UPI; Jennifer Hudson: Getty Images; Sting and Trudie Styler: Getty Images; Second Collage Photos--Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum: WireImage; Channing Tatum and Elton John: AP;  Rita Wilson and James Taylor: Getty Images; Sting and Esperanza Spalding: Reuters; Dancing photo: UPI, courtesy of The Meryl Streep Forum; Bill Clinton: Getty Images; Finale photo: UPI, courtesy of The Meryl Streep Forum.