At the fifth annual Light Up The Blues concert special for Autism Speaks, GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter and folk rock icon Neil Young came prepared with a few special surprises on tap.
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Following a rousing performance of the piano ballad "Birds" from After The Goldrush, Young informed the gathered crowd that he planned to bring his "brother" up on stage. Moments later, out walked Stephen Stills. Prior to joining up with David Crosby and Graham Nash to form Crosby Stills and Nash, Stills worked closely with Young as co-founding members of Buffalo Springfield.
After the pair played a brief, tight set incorporating such favorites as "Long May You Run," "For What It's Worth" and "Mr. Soul," the duo became a trio as Patti Smith walked onstage to join them for "People Have The Power."
Prior to joining Young for his own surprise performance, Stills brought out a few unexpected guests of his own during a previous set, as Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench and Steve Ferrone of the Heartbreakers took the stage together for the first time since the passing of their onetime band leader Tom Petty. Together with Stills, the band treated the audience to a rendition of "I Won't Back Down," that served as an impromptu tribute to their fallen friend.
Light Up The Blues was originally founded by Stills and his wife Kristen as a fund-raising effort to benefit Autism research. Since its inception, the concert has traditionally featured strong lineups of classic musicians, actors and stand-up comedians. Jack Black has hosted the event for all five iterations.
