Photos: KCRW’s Holiday Show – Are Friends Eclectic?

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Photo by Jeremiah Garcia

Everyone I talked to leaving the Orpheum Theatre last night named a different artist as their favorite performer of the evening, which says everything about KCRW’s holiday show – there was something for everyone.

It was a night of real togetherness that could be seen in many different ways. Instead of hiding away backstage, the artists mingled among the attendees, saying hello and signing autographs. KCRW DJs gathered in a booth above the stage and introduced bands throughout the evening.  The bands enjoyed each other’s music, particularly Zee Avi, who could be seen dancing stageside for all of Jimmy Cliff’s set.

Jimmy Cliff by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Cliff showed everyone how it’s done with the most energetic performance of the night. Before the last song of his solo acoustic set, Brett Dennen commented that his nerves were finally starting to calm down after the daunting task of following Cliff on stage. The Reggae legend returned to sing ”Johnny Too Bad” with Iron and Wine to close out the evening and it was one of those pinch yourself moments when you realize you’re witnessing something truly special. Sam Beam brought a 10-piece band with him, including a horn section and back up singers, Swell Season’s Marketa Irglova among them. Their closing set was simply gorgeous and a real treat.

Jimmy Clif and Sam Beam (Iron and Wine) by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Earlier in the evening we were treated to the bright Americana of the Belle Brigade, the sweetness of the Secret Sisters and a full on rock show from White Denim. Anna Calvi had a fiery guitar solo toward the end of her set that wowed the crowd and Zee Avi was as charming as charming can be.

Many people discovered Other Lives for the first time and were — not surprisingly – impressed. DJ Aaron Byrd commented that whoever thought to pair them up with Radiohead on their upcoming tour is a genius because they have a “similar sensibility and approach to orchestration.” As good a compliment as you can ask for.

Other Lives by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

The other major player in the evening was the Orpheum itself, as beautiful a venue as you could ask for to enjoy this special night of music. It’s a piece of Los Angeles history and I like to think we made a little of our own last night.

View from above during Zee Avi's set. By Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Mia Doi Todd by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Other Lives by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Other Lives by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Belle Brigade by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
White Denim by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Secret Sisters by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Anna Calvi by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Zee Avi by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Jimmy Cliff by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Jimmy Cliff by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Crowd for Jimmy Cliff by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Brett Dennen by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Iron and Wine by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
Iron and Wine by Jeremiah Garcia (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
The gorgeous Orpheum Theatre before the show (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)