We went to The Bridge School Benefit this afternoon to watch our very own Rockstar Joel play on the Side Stage. He got us in for free before the doors opened to the public and we also got to hang out with him “backstage” before his performance.

We also inadvertently got invited to a very deep Navajo “saging” ceremony to commemorate a man that adopted Neil Young into their family/tribe many years ago. He used to bless the stage each year but passed away recently. So, his daughter and grandson were in a handmade tepee that was on display and they burned some sage to bless the concert and remember him. It was very special but a little awkward since we just happened to go inside just to check out the cool-looking tepee.

Anyhoo…The name of Joel’s band is Everest and they’re in the process of recording an album that is scheduled to release early next year. They performed on the Side Stage just next to the mainstage an hour before the concert kicked off and sounded great today. A lot of people stopped to watch the show and were interested in who they were and if they had a CD for sale. We also sat next to a few young future groupies who were getting all excited to meet the band members and thrilled to get their sample CD. It was great to see Joel up on stage doing what he loves most. I can remember him always sitting in a dark candlelit room at Roebling playing his guitar for hours and I’m pretty excited for him. Once his performance ended, we actually didn’t stay for the actual concert but I’m sure it was good…if you’re a Metallica or John Mayer fan.

Here are some photos from today’s concert.