Thursday’s tenth annual Love Rocks NYC benefit concert, featuring Paul Simon, Mary J. Blige, Hozier, Elvis Costello, Jon Batiste, Mavis Staples, Nile Rodgers & Chic and more, raised over $6 million for the God’s Love We Deliver charity, raising the total the concerts have raised to more than $65 million. Also performing at the event were Bill Murray, Billy F. Gibbons, Goo Goo Dolls, Joe Bonamassa, Linda Perry, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susanna Hoffs, Trombone Shorty and Warren Haynes, with JB Smoove, Jeff Ross, Julianne Moore, Paul Shaffer, Whoopi Goldberg and Zarna Garg also hosting.
God’s Love We Deliver has served more than 40 million meals since it was founded during the AIDS pandemic in 1985, and currently addresses 200+ diagnoses with its medically tailored meals and nutrition services.
“Volunteering with God’s Love We Deliver is an experience that will stay with you forever,” said President and CEO Terrence Meck. ”Because understanding what we do – and why we must exist- is very simple. Life is precious. Most likely everyone in this theater tonight has loved someone who’s been sick. And I think we can all understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed and scared. And when that happens to our vulnerable neighbors and they call on God’s Love We Deliver, We Show Up. And with your help, New Yorkers who need our services – will never face illness alone.” Over the course of the evening, Simon performed “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “Still Crazy After All These Years,” and “The Boxer” while Costello delivered “Pump It Up” and “Peace, Love and Understanding,” and joined Staples, Haynes and Hozier for a version of the Band’s classic “The Weight.”
Hozier played “Take Me to Church” with Ryan Connors and the Joe Cocker/Traffic classic “Feelin’ Alright” with Nile Rodgers and Mary J. Blige delivered “One” and “Family Affair.” Rodgers & Chic returned for “Good Times” and “ We Are Family.” The tenth annual Love Rocks NYC was executive produced by international fashion designer John Varvatos, NYC real estate broker and concert producer Greg Williamson and concert/events producer Nicole Rechter, produced by DPS, and was presented by Bloomberg Philanthropies.