Story By, Dan Thompson


15 years ago, Neil Young called on his musician-friends to help raise money for the school his children attend. Since then they've had performers such as: Beck, Dave Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Petty, The Who and Green Day just to name a few. They all came to support The Bridge School.

The Bridge School is a foundation started by Neil and Pegi Young to help individuals with severe speech and physical impairments. This year, the concert's 15th anniversary, I made it to Shoreline amphitheatre, just south of San Francisco, on Oct. 20 to watch the first performance of the two-day event. The lineup for this year's concert was filled with national acts, all there to help the school, as well as the kids it would benefit. The performers were: Jill Sobule, Ben Harper, Billy Idol, Tracy Chapman, REM, Dave Matthews (solo), Pearl Jam and Neil Young with Crazy Horse.The weather was terrific. This is always a major concern for the concert promoters, since it is an outdoor concert at the end of October.

 

One of the Bridge School's students dressed as Superman for halloween.

The show began at 3 pm with Neil Young performing a few songs solo. Next was Jill Sobule, but nobody really knew who she was. When Ben Harper came on the crowd roared to life. His set was 45 minutes long, like everybody else's. By 10 pm the headliners began to take the stage. REM, Dave Matthews and Pearl Jam were all brilliant! PJ played a brand new song for the first time ever. Dave played a dazzling rendition of "All Along the Watchtower." While REM's Michael Stipe danced around the stage, giving thecrowd just as much energy, at it gave to the band.

The bridge school is a bay area secret, and it probably always will be. However, if you ever happen to find yourself in Oakland or San Fran around Halloween, check out the entertainment section of The Chronicle. You might be able to experience the greatest concert that nobody's ever heard of.

 

 
The Bridge School's mission states that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Everyone should have the opportunity to share knowledge, express feelings and be heard. Every one should actively participate in his or her learning.