THE SHOW

A Fusion Celebration: A Fundraiser for KPFK 90.7 FM

THE VENUE

Alex Theatre, Glendale, California

THE DATE

October 28, 2026

THE SETLIST

Selected songs: “This Is Not America,” “A Love Supreme,” “Body and Soul,” “The Twinkle in Her Eyes,” “Las Manos Magicas,” “Casino Nation,” “The Crow on the Cradle,” “People Are Strange,” “The End,” “School Days.”

THE BAND

Stanley Clarke, Jackson Browne, Sheila E., Michelle Coltrane, Petra Haden, John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Rudy Sarzo, Danny Carey, Richie Kotzen, Clayton Cameron, Salar Nader, Ellis Hall, Ed Roth, Andy Langham, Jacob Scensey, Marlonius, and the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center Youth Orchestra, led by Fernando Pullum, with special guest Aloe Blacc.

THE MUSIC

What better way to celebrate 50 years of Stanley Clarke’s School Days and raise money for independent radio than with an evening of jazz, rock, funk, and musical camaraderie?

The Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center Youth Orchestra opened with a blazing horn section and special guest Aloe Blacc. Petra Haden delivered a gorgeous “This Is Not America” with pianist Andy Langham, Michelle Coltrane’s quartet offered sensitive, interactive jazz, and Clarke’s mesmerizing upright trio with drummer Clayton Cameron and saxophonist Jacob Scensey performed “The Twinkle in Her Eyes” and “Las Manos Magicas,” a masterclass in tone, timing, and interplay.

Clarke’s funky set with Sheila E., Salar Nader, and Cameron was explosive, while his drummerless duets with Jackson Browne (“Casino Nation” was a highlight) showed another side of his musicianship. Haden joined Browne for a couple of beautiful songs, including “The Crow on the Cradle.” Later, Doors legends John Densmore and Robby Krieger performed “People Are Strange” and “The End,” and a sprawling all-star jam on “School Days” brought the evening to a gloriously messy conclusion.

THE BASSES

Clarke sounded magnificent on both his upright and his Alembic. His accompaniment of Jackson Browne was especially revealing: Rather than laying back as the harmony turned corners, he leaned into the changes, supplying both momentum and foundation in the absence of a drummer.

Randy Pazos held down the Fernando Pullum ensemble on a maple-neck Fender Jazz Bass, Marlonius contributed beautiful upright work to Michelle Coltrane’s quartet, and Rudy Sarzo’s bright, punchy Brubaker 4-string cut through the later jams. A brief exchange between Clarke and Sarzo was one of the night’s highlights. Among the evening’s auction items was Clarke’s Taylor acoustic bass.

THE VIBE

Warm, welcoming, and remarkably well organized, with a terrific KPFK history film, a big screen behind the stage, and Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, and P-Funk keeping things funky between sets. There were fewer phones, lots of grey hair, and plenty of canes and walkers — and an audience that listened closely and applauded enthusiastically.

Jackson Browne got a laugh when he remarked on finally putting faces to the voices he’d heard on KPFK, which he’d listened to since childhood; Clarke admitted he’d never particularly liked the word “fusion,” which reminded him of chemistry, but he couldn’t help but be excited about the cool blend of musicians he’d gathered for the occasion.

The closing “School Days” jam took a minute to find its footing, but Clarke and Sarzo helped bring it together. It was a big, juicy mess, full of love and warmth. For a night celebrating a radio station that has championed adventurous music since 1959, that felt just right.

THE VIDEO

“School Days” jam 

“Roadhouse Blues” (Robby Krieger and John Densmore of the Doors, plus Ellis Hall and Ed Roth on keys, Rudy Sarzo on bass, Danny Carey) on second drums

“People Are Strange” (Robby Krieger and John Densmore of the Doors, plus Ed Roth on accordion, Rudy Sarzo on bass)