An Evening of Independence - A Koffeehouse Benefit Event

This fantastic concert put on by Koffeehouse hosted nine artists that performed in support of the Guitar Center Music Foundation and MS Friends at the Ford Ampitheater in East Hollywood.

My inspration to check out the show was a friend from high school who performed at the event. Kina Grannis is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter, who recently won the Doritos Crash the Superbowl Contest. Her song Message From Your Heart (which so so good!) was played at half time at the superbowl, and she is now recording an album with Interscope Records. To hear more about her, visit her website and definitely check out her youtube blog, which is really fun and creative, and updated with a new song every week!

These are a few shots of Kina from the patio area of the Ford Ampitheatre, where the concert openers performed. This was such a nice summer venue with a beautiful view, you'd never know we were in LA!


Kina's voice resonated through the ampitheater; even walking up the steps to the theatre her harmonic voice and guitar melodies filled the air. To see a moving picture of Kina (with sound!) check her out on youtube.


Another of my favorites from the evening, Keaton Simons is a soulful singer/songwriter with an awesome voice and great stage presence. Listen to his music here.


A Fine Frenzy (Alison Sudo) put on a fabulous set with really unique, energetic, harmonic piano and vocal arrangements. See and hear more here.


Matt Scannell is the lead singer and guitarist of Vertical Horizon, well know for "Everything You Want." He performed a solo version of this song, where he started the guitar chorus and jokingly asked the audience to imagine that it continued while he sang the following verses.


Trevor Hall is awesome! His sound is so unique, and pairs up phenomenally with his steel drummer. His performance got the crowd up on their feet dancing and singing along. You really need to listen for yourself! Seriously!


Tyrone Wells is a native Los Angeles artist with a great voice and beautiful songwriting. His set was great and included the story of his backup career: performing live for marriage proposals. It started when a young man contacted Tyrone requesting that he play "their song" while he proposed to his girlfriend. Tyrone got so caught up in the sentiment of the proposal that he almost forgot to "pop out" and start singing. It was, however, a success, and Tyrone has made two more proposal appearances since! Listen and you, too, will likely consider this joyous service.


The surprise finale was an exciting and uplifting rendition of "I get by with a little help from my friends." All the artists let loose, singing, dancing, hugging, swinging guitars (well, one guitar), and jumping. What a great way to end a wonderful evening!


To see more photos from the night, go here.