
The show sold out as hundreds lined up to get in...
Last Friday, March 19, Donovan and several talented musicians came together for a unique and memorable evening–a benefit concert for the David Lynch Foundation.
Over 1,000 excited guests packed the historic El Rey Theatre on Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles. Live online streaming of the concert extended the audience to thousands over the web. You can watch the replay of the concert on DLF.TV at http://dlf.tv/2010/donovan-live/.
The evening began with performances by opening bands, Everyboy and Blessed Le Strange. There was an auction for a date with actor (and concert host) Matthew St. Patrick that reached $750, and a video about the David Lynch Foundation and implementing Transcendental Meditation in schools. David Lynch himself introduced Donovan, who appeared on stage around 9:30 PM (Los Angeles time). Donovan opened the concert with his classic Sunshine Superman, backed by the band that would accompany him on most of the songs.
Donovan played several of his well-known hits such as, Wear Your Love Like Heaven, Season of the Witch, and Mellow Yellow. He also played some of his more rare songs such as (my favorite) Yellow Star. Donovan was accompanied by a band and his daughter Astrella Celeste for the majority of his set.
Other artists of the evening included: Jerry Vivino, Scott Healy & Rick Reed (from the Conan O’Brien Late Night Band), Lanny Cordola & Matt Sorum (of Guns n Roses and Velvet Revolver), POE, Amrita Sen, Danny Saber (Black Grape/Alice Cooper), Poe, and Carla Olson (Textones).
The promotion for this event took on a life of its own. We had interview spots on every major radio station in LA including KCRW, Breakfast with the Beatles and 100.3 the Sound. Good Day LA ran a great interview with Donovan and Astrella, and LA blogs had a field day announcing the line-up. See an in-depth interview with Donovan on Huffington Post.
The evening’s hosts, Mathew St. Patrick and Adam Gaynor, led a charity auction in between sets. The items up for bid included a 5-hour private meeting with Donovan, in which he offered to talk on any topic, musical or private, with the winner. The auction began with $2500 and reached $4500. There was another auction for a coffee with David Lynch at his house, which started with $1000 and ended in $2000.

Adam Gaynor (Matchbox 20) and Mathew St. Patrick (Six Feet Under) hosted the evening. Love them!

A luxuirous converted movie theater, the El Rey was a perfect Art-Deco venue filled with Donovan fans of all ages.

The Great Donovan...

Bob Roth showed a video about the Foundation and introduced David Lynch.

David Lynch, Russell Brand (DLF supporter) and Bob Roth backstage discussing their next big idea...

Adrien Daller and Erin Skipper (not pictured) were my absolute heroes during this event. No one sees how much goes on behind the scenes, but these girls give their all and always with a smile.

Russell Brand, The Great Donovan, Emily Lynch (David's wife) and David Lynch.

We are big fans of Russell at DLF.TV (who isn't?). I love when he supports our events!
Photos are credited to Adam Latham. More photos and a replay of the event can be seen on DLF.TV.
UPDATE: APRIL 1, 2010
Lots of press generated from this event–before and after (over 300 articles). Some of the coverage included:
Rolling Stone
LIFE
Huffington Post
Filter Magazine
LAist
The SUN