Billy Corgan and his partner Chloe Mendell brought together artists and locals for a very special and intimate Together and Together Again benefit to raise funds for the Highland Park Community Foundation’s July 4 Fund. The evening was live-streamed across the world where Billy was joined by his Smashing Pumpkins bandmate and fellow Chicagoan Jimmy Chamberlin, alongside Perry Farrell who performed a stripped down, bluesy version of the Jane’s Addiction classic, ‘Jane Says.’ Bob Moses and Father/daughter duo Billy and Sierra Swan each performed a captivating and intimate set of some of their best known songs. Janelle Lake played 'Clair de Lune' on harp. The legendary Frank Catalano Quartet performed a thrilling jazz set including a version of Coltrane's ‘Impressions,’ with Billy Corgan on guitar. Corgan also treated viewers to a stripped down performance of The Smashing Pumpkins classics ‘1979’ and 'Today’ as well as two brand new songs, most poignantly ‘Ithax,’ a song he wrote last month in the wake of the tragedy.
"We had such an amazing night of music, tears, and laughter at Zuzu’s, all in tribute to those victims of this unspeakable atrocity and the heroes who ran towards danger to help the innocent. It was truly an honor to stage this concert with our dear friends and raise these funds, which are so desperately needed in our Highland Park community.” - Billy Corgan.
The full performance is available to view on The Smashing Pumpkins Youtube Channel HERE, where viewers can continue to donate. All proceeds will go to the Highland Park Community Foundation July 4 Fund. So far, the virtual benefit has raised over a quarter of a million dollars through YouTube donations, merchandise sales and private donations.
Merchandise can be purchased HERE featuring art by Gary Baseman until Monday, August 1. All proceeds will go to the July 4 Fund.
