Bruce Springsteen, SZA, Bon Jovi, Halsey, Lead ‘Jersey 4 Jersey’ Benefit
Some of New Jersey’s biggest names performed at the “Jersey 4 Jersey” broadcast tonight. It was a fundraiser to fight the impact of COVID-19 in New Jersey, which has been one of the hardest hits states in the country; the show raised donations that go directly to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund. Per their website, “The NJPRF exists to meet four critical challenges of our state in the face of the COVID-19 crisis: stop the spread, support the healthcare community, provide help for the vulnerable, and rebuild our communities. NJPRF supports organizations that provide essential services and aiding those on the front line of the pandemic. One hundred percent of all online donations will go directly to help those in need.”
New Jersey’s Tony Bennett, Jon Bon Jovi, Halsey, Charlie Puth, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, and SZA performed stripped-down sets from their homes. New Jersey Giant Saquon Barkley, Danny DeVito, Whoopi Goldberg, Chelsea Handler, Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, and Stephen Colbert, among others, appeared as well.
Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa opened the show with “Land Of Hope And Dreams,” and later played Tom Waits’ “Jersey Girl.” Other performances included SZA (accompanied by a guitarist) “20 Something,” Charlie Puth (with his dog in the background) covering Springsteen’s “Growin’ Up,” Halsey (joined remotely by three other musicians) did “Finally/Beautiful Stranger” and Tony Bennett singing Nat “King” Cole’s “Smile” (the same song his occasional duet partner Lady Gaga performed at this weekend’s “Together At Home” concert).
A very emotional moment came when Fountains of Wayne performed, minus their bassist/songwriter Adam Schlesinger, who died due to complications from the coronavirus a few weeks ago. Solo artist Sharon Van Etten filled in on bass, as they played “Hackensack” (inspired by the New Jersey town of the same name). Jon Bon Jovi played two solo acoustic songs, “Do What You Can” and “Livin’ On A Prayer,” which closed the show.
To contribute to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund, go to their official website.
