By Hilary Gridley
Plenty of big-name musicians tackle large issues that loom over countries and span continents, but it’s surprisingly rare to find some that give something back to a small community that supported their rise to fame. Enter Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, whose most recent album, “Here,” debuted at #5 on the Billboard charts to much acclaim.
The band recorded “Here,” which Relix Magazine called “an album full of undeniable folk-rock hooks, gospel overtones, infectious lyrics, orchestral swells and a whole lot of love,” in Ojai, California, 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles. It may seem strange to make a big deal of the recording location, but anyone familiar with Ojai will recognize the city’s folksy spirituality that permeates the album.
The band certainly recognizes Ojai’s impact on their work. On September 6, they will honor that impact with a special concert at Libbey Bowl to benefit the Ojai Valley Community Nursery School (OVCNS), the only parent-owned and operated cooperative nursery school in the Ojai Valley. Through a combination of certified teachers and parent volunteers, OVCNS nurtures children toward a love of learning and respect to others and the Earth.
Edward Sharpe frontman Alex Ebert noted, “We are really excited to play in Ojai, a place that hosted the making of our last album. What a wonderful thing to be able to give back to this special community with this benefit concert.”
The band will be in demand come September after returning from back-to-back nearly sold-out tours in the U.S. and Europe. Tickets are now available for the OVCNS show here.
Can’t make it? You can get involved with Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros in an entirely different way by creating a music video from any song on their album, “Here.” Submit your video here by August 31 and you could win up to $5000.