“The Thrill Is Gone: A Tribute to B.B. King” Concert Benefits Seva

On February 16th, Seva and our community of supporters joined together at the iconic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, for “The Thrill Is Gone: A Tribute to B.B. King.”

The all-star tribute concert, featuring Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Ivan Neville, Warren Hayne, and many more, paid homage to the undisputed “King of Blues” – B.B. King – and the impact he made in all of our lives through his artistry, musicianship, and values. The event was also a benefit for the Seva Foundation, and we were thrilled to have members of the Seva team in attendance, including Kate Moynihan, Executive Director, Wavy Gravy, Co-Founder, and Suzanne Gilbert, Sr. Director, Research & Strategic Opportunities.

Among a sold-out and packed audience, the soulful evening began with an introduction by Seva Co-Founder and dear friend of B.B. King, Wavy Gravy. For those who don’t know this great piece of history, B.B. King personally gave Wavy Gravy his moniker after meeting him at the International Texas Pop Festival.

As emcee for the evening, Wavy discussed Seva’s global work to restore sight for all, the legacy and impact of B.B. King, and how the concert would help Seva continue its important work to reach all people with the sight-restoring services and treatment they need. We were honored to have raised $50,000 from the concert that will benefit the Foundation's work to deliver vital eye care services to the world’s most vulnerable communities.

As the night progressed, musicians from across the country, including Bob Margolin, Robert Gray, David Hidalgo, and several others took to the stage to perform. It was truly a community gathering filled with love and rhythm. Even more special, towards the end of the night, a guitar signed by a handful of the artists who performed was auctioned off to support Seva! A big thank you to all the artists who signed this, and to the lucky buyer, we hope you're enjoying it!

All in all, The Thrill Is Gone: A Tribute to B.B. King was a successful evening of music and joy and a reminder of all that's possible when we come together as a community. We are honored to have funds from the concert benefit Seva, and we remain committed to upholding B.B. King's values of kindness, creativity, and generosity in all we do as we continue our global work to restore sight for those in need.

Above: Seva co-founder Wavy Gravy on stage for the B.B. King tribute concert.

Above: Guitar signed by artists auctioned off to benefit Seva.