When an artist in Boston is in need, the city comes alive to help. That sense of music community was apparent on Friday night at the sold out John Sands benefit concert co-headlined by Aimee Mann and Lori McKenna.

John Sands, a well-known Boston drummer who has toured with both Mann and McKenna and also with the likes of Liz Phair and Lisa Loeb, suffered a catastrophic heart attack in November which very nearly ended his life. Through the quick thinking of Sands' girlfriend, local musician and show-opener, Jess Tardy and the efforts of first responders and staff at Mass General Hospital, John is well on his way to a full recovery.

A couple of days after the show I had an opportunity to talk with Lori McKenna who gave some insight into John, his recovery and the other artists on the bill. John was still not well enough to attend the show but early in the evening his friends played a message that he recorded earlier in the day thanking everyone for their support. "The only thing that was disappointing about the night was that John couldn't be there but he was obviously there in spirit. It was nice to see everyone come together for him like that," McKenna said. And he truly was there in spirit. It was a fitting tribute that for most of the night the drum kit at the back of the stage stood empty, as most of the artists performed stripped down sets without the benefit of a drummer.

The Jess Tardy Band opened the show with a smoky, soulful performance. Of Jess' performance Lori gushed, "I think she stole the show … She was just amazing," and I agree. The only artist to play with a full band, Jess tore through a set of songs that split the difference between bluesy, Rolling Stones-inspired rockers and soulful tracks reminiscent of Mavis Staples.

Canadian singer song-writer Ron Sexsmith followed with a solo performance. As far as McKenna is concerned "Ron's one of the most brilliant songwriters I know." He played a set of Beatles/McCartney-style songs to what was unfortunately a mostly disinterested audience. Sexsmith struggled to compete with myriad conversations taking place throughout the hall during his set. For those that did watch his performance, they were treated to a pleasant set of folk/pop songs.

Lori McKenna, who was taking time out from promoting the January 25th release of her new album, Lorraine, played with her trio which includes Mark Erelli on guitar and Jamie Edwards on keys. She played a set of songs both old and new. "Buy This Town", her ode to small town life in her home town of Stoughton, MA, has become an instant fan favorite. "Stealing Kisses", from her Bittertown record, was another highlight of the performance. After having just seen Lori play a month earlier on the tiny folk stage of Club Passim in Cambridge, MA, it was a pleasure to see her play under the lights of The Paradise's rock stage.

Aimee Mann closed out the night with a stand-out performance. Wearing her trademark glasses, vest and Windsor-knotted tie she looked at once gawky and uncomfortable and stunningly beautiful. When asked about her thoughts on Mann, Lori is a huge fan, "She's just so striking and people are always mesmerized by her because she's just so good." In a strange but entertaining turn Mann chose to play three songs from a musical that she's working on; the story of a drug addicted boxer and his journey to find redemption. It seemed an odd choice for this particular venue but the new songs held their own amongst her more well-known hits.

Not only was it a fantastic night of music, but it was also a pleasure to be a part of an event that benefited someone who has played an important role in the Boston music community.

-George Dow

A Concert for John Sands featuring:
Aimee Mann, Lori McKenna, Ron Sexsmith & The Jess Tardy Band
January 21, 2010
The Paradise, Boston, MA
www.lorimckenna.com

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