Saturday, December 13, 2008

watkin's family hour christmas concert


oh man. every once in a while you feel like you really got to witness something truly special and unique. on thursday we went down to the largo at the coronet for the watkin's family hour's annual christmas concert. it was pretty fantastic. not only did sara and sean watkins have some of their regulars from the watkin's family hour sessions (including benmont tench), but they also had several very interesting special guests like david rawlings, jackson browne, molly jenson, glen philips, and get this - john c. reilly (who read his christmas wish list while the band played charlie brown christmas music) and minnie driver!

just an incredible night of music - and all to benefit st. jude's children's hospital here in los angeles.

the photo featured today is of the stage before it all began. photography of any kind was not allowed during the concert. such a shame!

and finally, if you haven't done so already, please vote for your favorite photo of the year. it is a close race between to walk or ride and bridge from the arroyo seco. sorry about the insane amount of links included in today's post!

11 comments:

Mister Earl said...

Ben - This is truly amazing. Last week at a PBDA swing dance I met a woman who sings bluegrass and plays a little fiddle. On Wednesday night she came and sat in with my band, Too Many Guitars, as we get ready for our next gig on January 14 at Cafe 322 in Sierra Madre. Late Thursday night, she emails me that she's just seen the Watkins family, whom I've never heard of. And now your photo. Just too much.

Tim and Deb said...

I'll have to vote for "To walk or to ride" ~ I like the contrast. I didn't know you had 2 blogs! You learn something new everyday... ;)

ben wideman said...

Mr. Earl, I may have to come see your band.

Tim and Deb, we missed you at the concert! The other blog is poorly updated and just contains random silly musings or fun stuff I find on the internet.

Amanda Mae said...

WOW!! sounds like it was a cool show! Did you see Jamie and Erik there... I heard they went too! Fun!!!

Patrizzi Intergarlictica said...

What a lovely venue that is. I didn't know about it. Their website is fun to explore. Thanks, Ben!

Unknown said...

Ditto Miss Havisham. BTW, cool profile pic.

Cafe Observer said...

Bridge from de ArroyoZeco.

Sorry I missed that Christmas concert. How was the Messiah sing a long?

ben wideman said...

Amanda, we did bump in to Erik and Jamie. It was fun to see them down there!

Ms. H and JT, glad to pass on some useful info!

CO, no Messiah sing along at this particular event... such a shame.

And for those of you who still have yet to vote, put your vote in the comments section of the photo of the year post.

Jane Hards Photography said...

I do concert photography professionally and you've captured a ver atmospheric shot here, the anticipation. Love that red light.

Petrea Burchard said...

I like this, too, Ben. Sparkly lights and dark red curtains. Gives a feeling of anticipation.

I understand John C. Reilly is an Altadena resident. I like that in the L.A. area the stars are our neighbors. You know, like actual people.

ben wideman said...

Babooshka and Petrea - your comments are always so genuine and insightful! Thanks!