On Saturday, November 2, community-minded music fans from all across Southern California gathered at the Palace Theatre in Los Angeles for Back 2 School. The variety show, presented by Kensington Presents, the D’Addario Foundation, and BGS, benefited the D’Addario Foundation’s important work supporting music programs in underserved schools and communities. John C. Reilly, Jim James, Mandy Moore, Garfunkel & Oates, and many others took to the stage with our five-star house band — helmed by the Watkins Family Hour and Mike Viola — to share music, songs, and laughter to bolster the cause.
If you didn’t have the good fortune to be in attendance on Saturday night, check out the magic of Back 2 School (thanks in no small part to our stellar drum line) right here onΒ BGS. Good news, too: You can give to the D’Addario Foundation at any time, wherever you are. Donate here.
A great night, a great cause.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
All smiles -- and oh so much fun -- during pre-show run throughs.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
(L to R:) Ted Poor, Blake Mills, and Mike Viola.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
A simply stunning room.
Photo by Harrison Pearl Photography
Suzanne D'Addario Brouder of D'Addario and the D'Addario Foundation speaks about the important work of funding music programs in schools and communities.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
LP takes the stage!
Photo by Harrison Pearl Photography
These two. The best house band leaders anywhere. Sean and Sara Watkins.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
Blake Mills (foreground), Mike Viola.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
John C. Reilly takes a quiet moment backstage.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
Jim James himself.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
Alan Hampton on bass,
Photo by Harrison Pearl Photography
Langhorne Slim serenades the Palace Theatre crowd.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
LP brings it to a rapt crowd.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
The ever hilarious Garfunkel & Oates!
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
THE Mandy Moore, y'all.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
Every show needs a surprise guest. For Back 2 School, that was David Garza!
Photo by Harrison Pearl Photography
Langhorne Slim in his dressing room.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
Jim James bringing a number home.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
A soon-to-be hug we'd like to make a group hug, for sure.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
What a group!
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
The hang backstage was 10/10.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
Garfunkel & Oates.
Photo by Harrison Pearl Photography
It is "Back 2 School," after all. The evening would not have been complete without a drum line.
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
David Garza shows everyone how it's done. ("It" being guitar solo acrobatics, of course!)
Photo by Ellie Lauren Photography
Our valiant drum line warms up backstage.
Photo by Harrison Pearl Photography
Only YOU can help fund music programs in schools and communities. - John C. Reilly, in this photo probably.
Photo by Harrison Pearl Photography
Mandy Moore, once again.
Photo by Harrison Pearl Photography
Pinch us, we must have been dreaming of the best band ever.
Photo by Harrison Pearl Photography
What a night. On behalf of Kensington Presents, the D'Addario Foundation, and BGS we'd like to thank everyone who made it possible!
Photo by Harrison Pearl Photography
Photos by Elli Lauren Photography and Harrison Pearl Photography as noted. Lead photo: Harrison Pearl Photography
Want in on the newest musical releases, in depth artist features, canβt miss shows, and more? Sign up now to receive BGS to your inbox.
We respect your privacy.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
