Michael Dorf sure knows how to put together tribute concerts. The impressario, who founded the Knitting Factory and City Winery, assembles top-notch lineups each year to perform at Carnegie Hall for a series of benefits that have honored the music of Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, R.E.M. and Bruce Springsteen since 2006. Tomorrow night he brings the series to Central Park SummerStage for an evening of Jimi Hendrix covers to raise money for the City Parks Foundation.
HT faves Soulive will be the house band for the performance and are expected to be joined by an all-star cast of guests throughout the evening to celebrate the life and music of Hendrix, who would’ve turned 70 this November. Announced performers include Wyclef Jean, Karl Denson, G. Love and Special Sauce, Bebel Gilberto, Amel Larrieux, Living Colour, The Roots, John Scofield and Keller Williams, with unannounced special guests also expected.
The event begins tomorrow at 6PM with a cocktail party that will be followed by dinner for Platinum and Gold table purchasers. Show time is scheduled for 8PM. Over the years Soulive has impressively covered a vast array of Hendrix tunes such as Manic Depression, Them Changes, Stone Free, Crosstown Traffic and Who Knows, making the trio a perfect fit for house band duty. Check out the group’s version of Manic Depression from February’s Bowlive III featuring Marco Benevento and Louis Kato…
