Moby and Mindy Jones
Talented names in music came out to honor David Lynch in support of the anniversary/fundraiser of The David Lynch Foundation. The line up consisted of Lynch’s long time friend and film composer Angelo Badalamenti, Donovan, Sky Ferreira, Karen O, Lykke Li, Moby, one half of the Flaming Lips and Duran Duran. The event was held in Downtown Los Angeles’ Theatre at the Ace Hotel.
David Lynch (third from the left)
A little about the David Lynch Foundation (DLF) itself…For those who aren’t familiar with what DLF has been doing since 2009 in the L.A. community: It provides the evidence-based, stress reducing Transcendental Meditation technique to underserved communities in Los Angeles—mainly aiding with quiet time in schools, as well as homeless and military veteran support programs. Statistics show that every 12 seconds a student drops out of a school in our country, with students in underserved schools having higher rates of behavioral problems, teacher turnover and lower grade point averages. For these schools the “Quiet Time Program” uses Transcendental Meditation to foster and sustain a positive learning environment for both its students and faculty. For the homeless population in our city, the DLF partnered up with leading community organizations to help to relieve stress, overcome negative emotions and addictive behavior, essentially empowering them. In addition it helps our military veterans who suffer from PTSD, assisting in healing and reducing their stress and their families.
Donovan
So what is transcendental meditation (TM) and why is it important for us as a society? The most effective answer is to quote the Mayo Clinic, “Transcendental meditation is a simple, natural technique... This form of meditation allows your body to settle into a state of profound rest and relaxation and your mind to achieve a state of inner peace, without needing to use concentration or effort.” The TM technique and movement was introduced in India by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the mid-‘50s.
Sky Ferreira
There was no shortage of celebrity guests in the audience. Some made cameo appearances in pre-filmed shorts featured in between performances. Paul McCartney, Jerry Seinfeld and Russell Brand provided kind words recorded about Lynch and his foundation while Jim Carrey and Die Antwoord were nestled in the audience.
Karen O.
The music performances began with “Laura Palmer’s Theme” from the beloved cult classic Twin Peaks performed by original composer Angelo Badalamenti and guest Kinny Landrum. Donovan,adorned the stage, singing “Love Me Tender,” from Wild at Heart. Chrysta Bell belted out “Swing with Me” from her album This Train, which Lynch produced. The show stopper for the night was Rebekah Del Rio taking the stage to sing “Llorando” from the movie Mulholland Drive. This was the moment that the audience froze in time. Del Rio’s powerful voice was infectious—all eyes were on her, the crowd visibly moved and gave her a standing ovation as she exited the stage. It was hard to beat that moment, though some of the artists matched that energy.
Lykke Li
Sky Ferreira delivered a beautiful rendition of “Blue Velvet.” The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O, sang Pinky’s Dream (she can never do wrong in my eyes, always fabulous and fun.) Lykke Li came covered and nailed Chris Issak’s “Wicked Game.” And here is when the energy was matched...
Moby
Exceeding all expectations was none other than, Moby with Mindy Jones as his female vocal lead for a two-song set. Beginning with “GO,” the entire vibe transformed as the audience was brought to their feet as Moby dominated the conga drums. The energy pulsated through the room and the audience was ready to party.
Wayne Coyne and Steven Drozd from the Flaming Lips
Wayne Coyne and Steven Drozd of the Flaming Lips performed “Soundscapes from Eraserhead” using their iPhone recordings of construction noise from earlier that morning and a futuristic light sensor insect machine. Followed by Zola Jesus and Duran Duran singing “In Heaven.”
Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips
Duran Duran closed the show singing their classic ballad “Ordinary World” and then a delightful surprise—they ended the show with “Hungry Like the Wolf.” In perspective, seeing Duran Duran perform in a venue that seats a little over 1,000 people in front and listening to a song audience members grew up with—MTV music videos—can really make anyone feel grateful to be in the company of such influential creatives with prolific global impact in today’s society.
Duran Duran
David Lynch closed the night with a beautiful and “Lynchian” like poem: “May auspiciousness be seen everywhere. May suffering belong to no one.”
David Lynch
To learn more about The David Lynch Foundation, donate, volunteer or be part of the change, visit davidlynchfoundation.org.
Text by Franceasca Seiden; Photos by Paula Tripodi
*Disclaimer: The words expressed in photo blog reviews do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Music Connection Magazine.
