FireAid Combines Music’s Biggest Acts and Stories of Loss to Raise Money for LA Wildfire Relief
SoCal in the Building
Is there any band more Southern California in spirit and geography than the Red Hot Chili Peppers? Bassist Flea did a handstand on stage wearing only a Speedo before they launched into one of their countless odes to the state: “Dani California,” “Californication” and “Under the Bridge.”
The first true-blue Los Angeles moment came from a surprise performance by Dr. Dre. The progenitor of West Coast hip-hop tackled “Still D.R.E.” with Anderson .Paak and Sheila E. before pivoting to Tupac and Dre’s classic “California Love.”
It was followed by the figurehead of Laurel Canyon folk, a moving set of “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell.
Two Venues, One Huge Concert
FireAid spread its performances between two venues, the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, providing a near seamless stream of music for nearly six hours. Behind early performances, images of firefighters and the devastation brought forth by the fires appeared on screen.
Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Wonder, Sting, and Pink provided memorable sets.
Music Mixed with Stories of Fire’s Toll
Between sets, survivors telling stories of losing their homes were broadcast throughout the arena, both in person and in video packages.
Non-celebrities brought heart. The Williams family, including four daughters and their mother, took the stage and discussed losing four homes in Altadena, California. They introduced the folk rock band Dawes, whose members also were directly affected by the Eaton fire.
Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith lost a portion of the Altadena house he shares with actor-singer Mandy Moore and his home recording studio and instruments were destroyed. Goldsmith’s brother and bandmate, Griffin Goldsmith, and his pregnant wife also lost their home in the fire.
Donations are the Focus
Throughout the show, viewers and attendees were encouraged to donate via FireAidLA.org.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie pledged to match all donations made during the live broadcast, doubling the proceeds. Crystal noted that because of their announcement, U2’s $1 million donation was worth twice that amount.
All of the proceeds will go to those affected. A 501(c)(3) was set up, and contributions to FireAid will be distributed under the Annenberg Foundation, which with FireAid has assembled a small committee to advise.
FAQs
* What is FireAid?
FireAid is a benefit concert to raise money for those affected by the LA-area wildfires.
* How can I donate?
You can donate via FireAidLA.org.
* What is the goal of FireAid?
The goal is to raise money for those affected by the LA-area wildfires.
* What is the 501(c)(3) set up by FireAid?
The 501(c)(3) was set up to distribute the proceeds to those affected by the LA-area wildfires.
