In a jubilant celebration of five decades of spreading hope and healing through live music, the Sweetwater Music Hall became a vibrant stage for Bread & Roses’ first 50th-anniversary event on May 23 of 2024, The Golden Jam. It was a magical night for the organization's rich history and a testament to Bread & Roses’ enduring commitment to community and compassion. Co-hosts Joan Baez and Ben Fong-Torres set the tone for an evening of inspiring music from long-time and more recent supporters, all veteran performers of our benefit concerts and ongoing institutional shows.
The evening began with the sounds of Emma Botti whose voice, a beacon of warmth and emotion, charted an upbeat course for the night ahead. Throughout the concert, we heard songs from Ron Artis II, Joan Baez, Banana aka Lowell Levinger, Jason Crosby, Dirty Cello, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Jeffrey Halford, Gabe Harris, Jasmine Harris, Kurt Huget, Matt Jaffe, Maria Muldaur and Tony Saunders. Each artist brought their own unique connection to the organization, weaving a tapestry of songs that celebrated Bread & Roses’ rich history.
Perhaps the most anticipated moment of the night came with the appearance of Joan Baez, whose ethereal voice and timeless songs have inspired generations. In a poignant moment of generational harmony, the legendary Joan graced the stage of the Sweetwater alongside her son, Gabe Harris, and granddaughter Jasmine -- three generations of musical talent singing Bob Dylan’s "I Shall Be Released.”
The performances were divine but the true heart of the event lay in the stories shared and connections forged among all in attendance. From reminiscing about past performances to sharing the magic within the walls of the music hall -- the evening was truly a celebration of the community that Bread & Roses has nurtured over the past 50 years.
As the night drew to a close and the performers gathered on stage altogether, there was a palpable sense of gratitude and emotion lingering in the room. It was clear that it was more than just a celebration of milestones but a reaffirmation of the organization's enduring mission to bring hope and healing to those who need it most, one song at a time!
Photos by Janet Franklin, Courtesy of Bread & Roses Presents