SoundPress.net Feature Article: Donovan Transcends in L.A. (Concert Review)

DONOVAN TRANSCENDS WITH FRIENDS
AT DAVID LYNCH BENEFIT CONCERT IN L.A.
A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Deborah Rose

When most people think of Transcendental Meditation they think of the Beatles, who studied the renowned technique of relaxation from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India in 1968. But meditating right next to them was the 60s Irish folk singer Donovan Leitch. Still as passionate about it today, the legendary singer headlined the benefit concert "Donovan & Friends" on Friday, March 19th at the El Rey Theatre in Hollywood to raise money for the David Lynch Foundation for Transcendental Meditation, founded by the acclaimed director.

Donovan & Friends Benefit Concert for the David Lynch Foundation

Donovan surveys the packed house at the El Ray Theatre. (Photo by AngelAdam.com)

Lynch established the Foundation in 2005 to fund programs teaching the stress-reducing benefits of meditation to at-risk populations; such as inner city students, American Indians, firefighters and prison guards. Donovan heads up the musical wing of the Foundation, in an effort to help educate a new generation about the meditation technique. Since it's inception, the Foundation has sponsored 100,000 scholarships to their programs and their goal is to fund 1 million recipients.

The audience was shown a short film on the Foundation's accomplishments, with testimonials from at-risk kids stating how Transcendental Medication has had a positive effect on their lives. Throughout the evening, hosts Adam Gaynor of Matchbox 20 and actor Mathew St. Patrick from the television show Six Feet Under, introduced several opening bands, with music ranging from sultry blues to reggae/ska. But it was clear that the packed house was there to enjoy the legendary music of Donovan, many for the very first time.

Vice President of the Foundation, Bob Roth, introduced David Lynch. Lynch thanked everyone for coming to the event and then said, "Fly back with me through time," as he showed a brief video montage of Donovan's songs before announcing him to the crowd.

Watching Donovan take the stage with his long hair, wearing a purple 60s Nehru style shirt and love beads was like returning to the peace and love era. Playing his usual kelly green guitar, he was backed by several musicians. He still had his signature, quivering vocal styling, as he opened his set with his groovy hit "Sunshine Superman," and then his daughter came on stage and shared vocals on the ethereal sounding "Wear Your Love Like Heaven." She also sang with him on the captivating "Season of the Witch," which also featured a guitar solo by Lawrence Juber, a former member of Wings.

Referring back to the cause of the evening, Donovan talked about how he and The Beatles brought back the lost art of meditation from India. "When we were headed west, a great man came down from the east." He continued, "Change begins within" and "It's all about slowing down," leading into his song 'Slow Down World."

He also sang the poignant anti-war song "Universal Soldier," written by Buffy St. Marie, lamenting on how it is still relevant today. After doing a couple of lesser-known songs with various guest musicians, he played the beautiful "Catch the Wind," again accompanied by his daughter and Juber. He included a rousing bluesy rock number, as well as a lovely lullaby before going into the crowd-pleasing, "Mellow Yellow," joined by several vocalists, including his son. He ended his hour and a half set with the gritty, "Hurdy Gurdy Man" and returned for an encore with his anthem, "Atlantis."

Afterwards, the hosts returned to the stage telling the audience that they could continue to donate to the Foundation by texting the numbers 27138 and typing the word Lynch. They also auctioned off a lunch with Mathew St. Patrick for $750, an afternoon with David Lynch for $2000, and 5 hours with Donovan for $4500.

The funds raised from the benefit will help the foundation get one step closer to reaching their goal of helping 1 million people have better lives.

SPECIAL DONOVAN RADIO INTERVIEW: SoundPress.net's founder Rockin' Rich Lynch was offered a chance to speak with some of the event's performers prior to the concert. Tune in and download a special radio show right here featuring amazing interviews with Donovan, Matt Sorum of Velvet Revolver, Astrella Celeste and Every Boy. Radio Show MP3 (right click, save as)

Donovan heads up the musical wing of the David Lynch Foundation. (Photo by AngelAdam.com)

(Originally Published on March 31, 2010)

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