Folk icon Joan Baez took the stage at San Francisco’s Masonic Auditorium Saturday night alongside an all-star lineup celebrating her legacy while raising funds for musicians in need. The event marked Sweet Relief Musicians Fund‘s 30th anniversary of providing healthcare assistance to music industry professionals.
The three-hour concert featured collaborations between Baez and longtime friends including Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, and Lucinda Williams. Rising stars like Hozier and Margo Price demonstrated Baez’s enduring influence on new generations of socially conscious artists. So get ready to hear some of the best acoustic guitars in history.
“Joan has dismantled the wall between public artistry and personal conviction,” noted musical director Joe Henry, who led a house band featuring members of Jackson Browne’s touring group. The evening included reimagined versions of classics like “Diamonds and Rust” and “We Shall Overcome.”
Tom Morello and Taj Mahal delivered powerful interpretations of Baez’s protest songs, while Ramblin’ Jack Elliott shared stories of their early days in the 1960s folk scene. Baez’s son Gabe Harris joined on percussion for several numbers.
“We’re beyond thrilled to celebrate 30 years of Sweet Relief while honoring Joan Baez and her amazing career,” said Aric Steinberg, Executive Director of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. The organization provides emergency financial assistance to musicians facing health crises.
The sold-out benefit highlighted both Baez’s musical legacy and her lifetime of activism, from the Civil Rights Movement to current social justice causes. At 83, she continues to inspire artists and activists alike.
