The Recording Academy's nonprofit arm, known as MusiCares, held its seventh annual MAP Fund benefit concert at Club Nokia on May 6. The event honored Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan and Kevin Lyman, founder of the Vans Warped Tour, for their advocacy in helping members of the music community get into recovery for drug and alcohol addiction. This year, performers included a 15-piece Ozomatli, a reunited Depeche Mode and Jane's Addiction, and an acoustic set by Paramore, along with Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington.
Overseeing the event internally was MusiCares and Grammy Foundation senior manager for events Wynnie Wynn. And every year, a committee of event and music community pros collaboratively produce the event. MusiCares tapped Caravents, a partner since 2001, to help produce the show. “We are so honored to be a longstanding partner of MusiCares and the MusiCares MAP Fund. It is truly one of the most unique and special nights of the year, seeing so many in the music community come together for this cause, supporting their friends and loved ones, and hearing the personal stories,” said Caravents' Cara Kleinhaut.
Swinghouse Studios donated musical equipment rentals and rehearsal space, and Goldenvoice C.E.O. Paul Tollett—the man behind the successful growth of Coachella—hosted the event at Club Nokia.
"The main challenge and triumph of the event is that at its core, this is a rock concert and guests are there to hear these amazing musicians play who would normally never end up on the same bill together. As each act brings their full concert setup, we need to almost strike the stage in between acts, while incurring as little downtime as possible to keep the audience engaged," Kleinhaut said. "This requires some very quick set changes and planning. For example, Ozomatli kicked off the evening with a cover of Depeche Mode’s 'Just Cant Get Enough,' complete with their 15-piece band and horn section. From there we had a few minutes to clear the stage while the host, comedian Greg Behrendt, entertained the crowd, to get ready for Paramore and Jane's Addiction."
Through the years, the annual fund-raiser and concert has hosted live performances from members of Alice in Chains, Metallica, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
