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Bonnie Raitt
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Joan Baez
Singer / Humanitarian Activist
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The Grateful Dead
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Bruce Hornsby
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Dr. Muhammad Yunus
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Odetta
Legendary Folk Singer
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David Crosby
Singer / Songwriter
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Graham Nash
Singer / Songwriter
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Jason Mraz & Surprise Guest Bob Weir
A Sold-Out Benefit for Seva Celebrates 70 Brilliant Years
San Francisco's legendary Great American Music Hall was filled to the brim on May 3rd, 2014 for Seva's star-studded celebration of its founder Dr. Larry Brilliant's 70th Birthday. The event featured GRAMMY Award winning musician Jason Mraz who was joined by surprise guest Bob Weir.
The benefit event began with a roast of Dr. Brilliant, friends and colleagues, including eBay founder Jeff Skoll, and Saleforce CEO Marc Benioff, poked fun with graceful delivery. Host of the evening was Dr. Brilliant's best friend, counterculture icon Wavy Gravy.
Opening up the musical portion of the event was Salman Ahmad, a notable Pakistani peace activist and musician. His unique sound blended electric guitar with the traditional percussion of the tabla, a perfect reflection of the diverse crowd that had assembled to celebrate Dr. Brilliant and raise funds for Seva's global eye care programs.
The audience jumped to their feet as headliner Jason Mraz and his band Raining Jane took to the stage. Jason's feel-good songs were both inspiring and moving, with lyrics focused on the importance of love and compassion. It seemed like the evening couldn't get any better when unexpectedly Jason invited a surprise guest, Bob Weir, to join him on stage.
Bob Weir has been involved with Seva for many years, since he, Jerry Garcia and the other members of the Grateful Dead performed at Seva's first benefit concert back in 1980 which was instrumental in getting the organization off the ground. Since then Seva has restored eyesight to 3.5 million people in need around the globe. Bob Weir, along with Seva Co-Founder Ram Dass serve as an honorary lifetime board members.
In between songs, Jason took a moment to explain that though this was his first time performing for Seva, that he has long been a fan of the organization and of giving gifts from Seva's Gifts of Sight catalog. Jason noted "it is an honor and a privilege to be here tonight. This is my first Seva event…but probably not my last! I first heard about Seva through the generosity of my manager. In lou of gifts, he would give Seva Foundation donations, he would let me know that he had donated to Seva on my behalf. That was the first time I heard about this great organization. It is a great way to donate. Donate for a friend, donate on their behalf, it is a really great way to participate."
The event raised $377,000, enough to allow Seva to be able to restore the sight of 7,500 people! Seva Executive Director Jack Blanks thanks everyone who attended noting, "Seva's birthday bash for our founder Larry Brilliant celebrated not only '70 Brilliant Years' but also Seva's 35 years of service to humanity through the restoration of sight to 3.5 million blind people. And speaking of 'brilliance,' Jason Mraz, backed by Raining Jane, turned out the perfect blend of crowd mesmerizing songs. It was truly a brilliant evening befitting of the birthday boy and man of the hour."
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