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A reunion nearly two decades in the making brought together artists from the iconic soundtrack of the indie film Garden State for a special concert in Los Angeles, delighting fans of the mid-2000s music scene.
Garden State Soundtrack Artists Unite for a One-Night Concert
On March 29, the Greek Theater hosted this unique event that not only celebrated the film’s legacy but also aimed to support The Midnight Mission, a historic homeless shelter in Los Angeles.
The film, initially released in July 2004, marked the directorial debut of Scrubs actor Zach Braff and quickly gained recognition, receiving a nomination for the grand jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Though it lacked the traditional Hollywood polish, Garden State resonated with audiences and garnered a dedicated following, much of which can be attributed to its remarkable soundtrack.
Featuring tracks from artists like The Shins, Coldplay, and Iron & Wine, the soundtrack encapsulated the indie music movement of its time and reached No. 20 on the Billboard 200. It also earned a Grammy Award for best compilation soundtrack for visual media in 2005.
The announcement of the concert in October 2024 generated excitement, and fans were promised live performances from nearly every artist featured on the beloved soundtrack, along with special guests from the film’s cast. As the event unfolded, it delivered on its promise, bringing together an impressive lineup.
Performances included hits like “Caring is Creepy” and “New Slang” by The Shins, the latter being highlighted in a memorable scene featuring Natalie Portman’s character. Other notable artists included Cary Brothers, Bonnie Somerville, Colin Hay, and Thievery Corporation, each bringing their unique contributions to the concert.
However, the lineup wasn’t without its disappointments. Coldplay, known for their track “Don’t Panic,” and Simon & Garfunkel, with their classic “The Only Living Boy in New York,” were not present. In their stead, Laufey and The Milk Carton Kids performed covers of their songs, honoring the legacy of these iconic bands. Iron & Wine also paid tribute to the late Nick Drake with a heartfelt rendition of “One of These Things First.”
In a rare treat for fans, Frou Frou and Remy Zero made appearances as well. Frou Frou reunited for the first time since 2019, thrilling audiences with their performance. Remy Zero, who disbanded in 2010, came back together solely for this concert, delivering their popular track “Fair” and the noteworthy “Save Me,” recognized as the theme for the TV series Smallville.
On the non-musical side, the event featured appearances from Zach Braff and Natalie Portman, alongside Danny DeVito, who served as an executive producer on the original film. Braff’s former Scrubs co-stars Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke also participated, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere of the night.
For those unable to attend the concert, an opportunity to experience the performances will be available starting April 6, when the concert will be offered for streaming. This extension not only allows fans to enjoy the music but also ensures that proceeds continue to benefit The Midnight Mission, supporting a worthy cause.
Source
www.billboard.com