Hester's wanderings: December 2010

From Barcelona, I flew to Jacksonville, Florida, to attend a conference on Amelia Island. Then, I flew to the Bay Area for the big event.... Pearl Jam was playing the Bridge School Benefit this year, one day after their 20th anniversary (of their first gig).

Kathy D. had a party Friday night, and all the PJ faithfull were there... even Tim Bierman (head of the fan club) and The Rob (aka Rob B). Kathy went all out and made us all official passes, decorated in PJ theme, and made party favors and prizes for us all. There were about 25 people there, and between us, we had seen over 2000 PJ shows!

During the day, Friday, Amy, Tanya (who had flown in from Australia) went to the wine country...

Kathy and Shannon getting their groove on:

Pearl Jam were fantastic on Saturday, but I was disappointed in Elvis Costello, and Merle Haggard was ill and couldn't show up, so Kris Kristofferson did the best he could... but he is quite old and his set was very boring and monotone. But he was so cute, and loving the audience reaction...

Sunday had a better lineup, and Jim and I scored great seats on the TM auction (all the proceeds go to the Bridge School)... Elvis was actually quite good that night, playing with the T-Bone Burnett band instead of solo. Elton John and Leon Russell were great, and even Jeff Bridges was quite good! Neko Case was good too. Boy, I thought Leon Russell was old back in the day... his beard was so snow-white that my camera had trouble with it!

And Buffalo Springfield were quite good the second night. Pearl Jam were great, but the setlist was a little boring. Ed looking quite dapper in his hat and leather jacket...