Live Review: Randy Edelman at SohoJohnny Presents 9/11 Fashion and Music Celebrity Benefit Gala @ Rumi Event Space NYC, 9/11/21
“Today’s events or tomorrow’s history, yet events seen by the naked eye lack the depth and breath of human struggles, triumphs and suffering. Writing history is writing the soul of the past… so that the present generation may learn from past mistakes and take responsibility for the future. Every year gives way to the next and its stories must be tucked away like children’s clothes outgrown, cherished, and never quite forgotten.”
In a sparkling, charismatic and astonishing array of musical triumph, piano wizard, songwriter, composer, conductor and melodious architect Randy Edelman bedazzled and entranced the “club kid” collective effervescence with a historical American themed performance spanning from “Gettysburg” to the “Post Pandemic.” The sacred notes and stories featured by Edelman unfolded organically and unpredictably and the magic of his performance lingered long after he played his last note.
In a cascaded star studded Red Carpet celebration of New York Fashion Week shadowed by the 20th anniversary tribute to the still unthinkable 9/11 tragedy showcased some of the most talented artists on the planet. Included in the line-up was Joey Belladonna, lead singer of thrash metal anomaly “Anthrax” singing “The Star Spangled Banner” accompanied by Allied Artist Music Group’s guitar virtuoso Rocky Kramer and No Mansfield from the psyche band Revolushn on bass. Kim Sledge from “Sister Sledge” performed along with co-producer SohoJohnny, and Leon, from Leon and The Peoples (also actor from The Temptations movie, Tiger Woods, Little Richard, Cliffhanger and many others), took the stage by storm. Original Native American Felipe Rose from “The Village People” featured his newest hit as well as iconic song YMCA, while actor Mario Van Peebles rocked out from the audience. Rising rocker chick April Rose Gabrielli stoked the audience’s heart along with Sony star Kulick, temptress Kreesha Turner, Michelle Shocked and new comer ARO, ( who’s mom died in 9/11 when she was only 2 years old). Also present was Redwood Entertainment, with CEO Carol Green, Chuck Armstrong from Wonderama , and co-producers John Velasco and Charle Z who played drums on stage. Author Howard Bloom, also attended and “Profile’s” number one Talk show host Mickey Burns played Master of Ceremonies for the crimson carpet. All of the artists volunteered their time and talents in order to benefit “Operation Warrior Shield” ..And then once again there was Randy Edelman…
The award winning Randy Edelman is responsible for scoring some of the biggest movies of our century including: “Last Of the Mohicans”, “Gettysburg”, “DragonHeart”, “Kindergarten Cop”, “Ghost Busters 2”, “My Cousin Vinnie”, and over a hundred others. He has also written the themes for the Olympics and NASA as well as hit songs for artists including Barry Manilow, Bing Crosby, Nelly, The Carpenters, Patti LaBelle, Olivia Newton-John, and many others.
Tonight and always Randy Edelman is a true rockstar. He transported the congregation to another time and even another dimension, proving himself as the last vestiges of the chivalrous gents. He moved the crowd from tears to cheers giving all he had and all he was. As his surreal performance unfolded he played his new hit single the post pandemic anthem “Comin’ Out the Other Side” which orgasmically captures the essence of a kaleidoscope of vibrancy, evoking a party experience and a world of optimism and hope.
His grande finale was sensitively portrayed as a dedication to his wife, the fabulous pop icon Jackie DeShannon and her brother Randy Myers (The composers of the song), who passed several months prior. With her blessings Randy played one of the most iconic and timeless songs ever written “Put A Little Love in Your Heart” while the audience all crouched against the piano sang along, many already emotional by his entire performance. Yesterday is not ours to recover but tomorrow is ours to win.