The First-Annual Los Angeles Tribute Event
sponsored by the Jeff Buckley Music family
Tuesday, November 17th 2009 @ Largo in Hollywood
(full event photo gallery available here)

By Alison Raykovich

This year marked the first Los Angeles Jeff Buckley Tribute to be sponsored by the Jeff Buckley Music family.  As we have in the past, JBM worked with the Silverlake Conservatory of Music to raise money and benefit their scholarship program.  The program grants admission to children whose families would otherwise be unable to afford lessons, thus providing priceless cultural enrichment to our community.  With the help of online auctions, we were able to donate over $1000.00.  

Taking place at the Little Room at the famed Largo Coronet Theatre, the event was small and intimate – and very reminiscent of the stage Jeff took at Siné.  We chose four sensational musicians to share in this celebration of life, music, and Jeff Buckley. 

Joey Ryan, a distinguished acoustic/folk/indie artist, can be heard frequently on KCRW and seen frequently at The Hotel Café.  He treated us to a stunning cover of Mama, You’ve Been On My Mind, in addition to a few of his personal best. 

Rocco DeLuca, a good friend of Jeff Buckley Music, brought his raw power in both voice and dobro.   Fresh off a national tour with Gabriela Y Rodrigo, he graced us with his haunting melodies and jamming blues. 

The spectacular Emily Wells joined us in celebration of Jeff, enchanting us with her famously evocative sound.  Her dynamic use of loops and echoing harmonies sent shivers as she covered Dream Brother in a way we had never imagined.  Bravo! 

Finally, we were lucky enough to have the illustrious rock legend John Doe in our midst, rewarding us with covers from Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, along with a collection of his own classic tunes accompanied by Cindy Wasserman.  As an American singer, songwriter, actor, poet and bass player, he has remained influential in the world of music since founding the LA punk band X and continues to perform with other legends of indie-rock, punk, and folk. We feel so grateful to have had him with us to celebrate Jeff’s Birthday. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to seeing you next year at an even bigger show  – We will keep you posted on the exciting details!