A Concert For Altadena Includes Star Studded Lineup And Offers Healing To Eaton Fire Survivors

Photo credit: Conny Chavez

A Concert for Altadena, the one-night-only benefit concert marking one year since the Eaton Fire. The January 7, 2026, event at the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium was hosted by actor and Altadena resident John C. Reilly and featured performances and appearances by Rufus Wainwright, Taboo (Black Eyed Peas), Lord Huron, and Lucius joining an already remarkable lineup of artists coming together in support of fire recovery. Proceeds will go to Altadena Builds Back Foundation (ABBF) for long-term and equitable recovery of residential Altadena.

A Concert for Altadena raised more than $450,000 for the Altadena Builds Back Foundation. The sold-out show took place at the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium last night, drawing 3,000 tickets sold for an unforgettable evening of music and solidarity. The community came together for an extraordinary night in support of fire recovery, with 250 tickets provided to Altadena residents directly impacted by the fire.

On Jan. 7, 2025, a fire blazed through the Eaton Canyon, hitting the town of Altadena. At the same time, the Palisades fire was also wreaking havoc. A total of 31 people died, and the fires destroyed about 13,000 homes and residential properties, leaving thousands displaced; many of whom are still facing struggles to rebuild, as only 10 homes have been rebuilt.

Created by Altadena residents and musicians including Dawes and Grammy Award-winner Eric Krasno, and produced by Kevin Lyman (Vans Warped Tour founder), A Concert for Altadena brought together artists, neighbors, and partners to celebrate resilience, raise funds, and help rebuild the community one year after the Eaton Fire. The evening not only brought people together but also highlighted a community that quickly stepped up to lend each other a hand. Community leaders and organizations were given the opportunity to speak between sets, voice their mission and, reinforce the spirit of Altadena.

Photo credit: Conny Chavez

The benefit’s lineup included Dawes & Friends featuring Eric Krasno, Brandon Flowers (The Killers), Brad Paisley, Mandy Moore, Jenny Lewis, Ozomatli, Everclear, Aloe Blacc, Rufus Wainwright, Taboo (Black Eyed Peas), Lord Huron, and Lucius, and was hosted by actor and Altadena resident John C. Reilly. The energy in the room was palpable as performers and audience shared a moment of collective connection.

Everyone who stepped on stage was passionate to be there. Mandy Moore performed her early hit single “Candy” alongside husband Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes). The “This Is Us” star and her family’s home were impacted by the fire, with her in-laws and family losing their houses.

Following Everclear’s performance, John C. Reilly read his speech and stated that he was given time to riff, before he said what was on his mind, he double checked with backstage that he was clear to riff. “Some people might say this is political, but it’s actually personal,” he began. “You remember what the President said right after the fires last year? He said some bullshit, like, ‘you should have racked the leaves’? Yeah. You can go fuck yourself, dude.”

“It’s not political.” He continued. “It’s personal. You’ve gone through something traumatic, and someone says some bullshit like that. You can go fuck yourself, dude.”

Reilly also emphasized that Southern California Edison was at fault for the Eaton Fire and has yet to repay survivors. He called for action instead of simple words, “You can go fuck yourselves too. Like the woman of the WNBA said, ‘Pay us what you owe us.'”

American filmmaker Ondi Timoner and co-founder and Executive Director of My Tribe Rise, Heavenly Hughes, premiered the music video for “All The Walls Came Down,” the title track for a short film with the same name. All The Walls Come Down premiered through the LA Times. The film captures that moment—through loss, resilience, and the fight to stay rooted on the land families have called home for generations.

Aloe Blacc shared that on Jan. 7, 2025, he looked out the window and realized his birthday would be devastating, but he was glad to share this year on stage for a great cause. He performed his hit “Wake Me Up.” Stephen Stills took the stage to perform the Buffalo Springfield hit “For What It’s Worth.”

Brad Paisley played guitar with several artists and performed his song with Dawes, “Raining Inside.” Brandon Flowers from The Killers also helped close out the show before Dawes concluded the event with all their friends singing on stage.

Donations and auctions with various items ranging from instruments to sporting gear and merchandise were found in the lobby of the venue. In addition, Fandiem is hosting an online auction for a chance to win Gibson and Fender guitars signed last night by the artists playing the event. Donation bids can be placed here with the auctions running through January 17 and the sweeps through February 21, 2026.

All proceeds from the concert benefit the Altadena Builds Back Foundation through the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund, directly supporting long-term housing recovery, food assistance, interim housing, mental health support, and more relief for families. The Altadena Builds Back Foundation has been formed as a supporting organization of the Pasadena Community Foundation to focus on the long-term recovery of housing in Altadena. Their mission is to help lead and fund Altadena’s community-centered recovery, ensuring a just, equitable rebuilding process that prioritizes housing and those most affected by the Eaton Fire.

Sponsors for the event include BeatBox Beverages, City National Bank and Firestone Walker Brewing Co., with additional sponsorship from Pasadena Federal Credit Union, The Levitt Foundation, Underscore Talent, California Love Drop, Altadena Girls Club, Hyatt Place Pasadena, Best Day Brewing, Gibson Brands, and Fender Musical Instruments.

“A Concert for Altadena was meaningful on many levels,” said Jennifer DeVoll, Executive Director of the Altadena Builds Back Foundation. “The evening brought our community together through music and shared purpose, while the generosity it inspired will have a lasting impact on our recovery efforts. We are deeply grateful for the support and honored to continue the work of helping Altadena rebuild.”

To learn more and/or donate, please visit the Altadena Builds Back Foundation website here.

Conny Chavez: I listen to all sorts of genres, but mostly rock. When I am not writing or managing social media, I am most likely playing video games.
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