This October will mark 10 years since Elliott Smith’s passing, and his friends and family are working to honor the late musician with a series of music and art benefits throughout the US this fall.
In conjunction with what would have been Smith’s 44th birthday, four cities will be hosting events that will bring his music to the forefront, with various bands playing some of the singer-songwriter’s best. And while the work of the infamous musician has been praised and memorialized by many in the years following his death, the upcoming celebrations look to do more than that – each will also serve to benefit a specific charity in the city it is being held in.
Director Gus Van Sant will host the first of these, at Doug Fir Lounge in Portland, Ore. on August 4. Musical guests such as Grandaddy will be performing to raise money for the nonprofit organization Outside In, which provides health and self-sufficiency services for homeless individuals.
On August 6, Smith’s birthday, the event will take place in Los Angeles and will be benefitting the charity Free Arts for Abused Children. Musician Jon Brion will be hosting, with additional friends joining.
Grandaddy will then continue with their support at Austin’s Scottish Rite Theater on August 9, with local acclaimed radio DJ Jody Denberg hosting. This night’s proceeds will benefit the SIMS Foundation, which offers mental health services for musicians.
The last of the charity fundraisers honoring Elliott Smith will be held at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC, hosted by Old 97’s lead singer Rhett Miller. Musicians Chris Thile, Mary Lou Lord and many more will be working to benefit the charity New Alternatives for LBGT Homeless Youth.
Updates,ticket information, and more can be found on the No Name #1 Facebook and Twitter pages, leading up the events, and below is a breakdown of the where and when of each benefit.
Portland, August 4:
No Name #1, Portland: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Elliott Smith
Time: 8PM
Venue: Doug Fir Lounge
Host: Gus Van Sant
Featuring: members of Grandaddy, plus very special guests.
Charity: Outside In
Advance tickets: Here
Los Angeles, August 6:
No Name #1, Los Angeles: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Elliott Smith
Time: 8PM
Venue: Largo
Host: Jon Brion, with special friends
Charity: Free Arts for Abused Children
Advance tickets: Here
Austin, August 9:
No Name #1, Austin: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Elliott Smith
Time: 8PM
Venue: Scottish Rite Theater
Host: Jody Denberg
Featuring: Members of Grandaddy, Lil’ Cap’n Travis, David Garza, plus many other very special guests.
Charity: The SIMS Foundation
Advance tickets: Here
New York, August 10:
No Name #1, NYC: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Elliott Smith
Time: 9PM
Venue: Bowery Ballroom
Host: Rhett Miller
Featuring: Chris Thile, Mary Lou Lord, plus many other very special guests.
Charity: New Alternatives for LBGT Homeless Youth
Advance tickets: Here