The past two years I’ve attended the MusiCares Person of the Year Benefit Gala, and it is hands down one of the coolest parties in the music industry.   MusiCares is a charity that provides assistance to musicians in need, and every year a different music legend is honored.  This past year the distinction went to one of my favorites, Paul McCartney.

My friend Ben and I arrived at the benefit during cocktail hour, and stood outside to watch celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Hugh Hefner, Randy Jackson, and John Stamos arrive on the red carpet.

Then we went inside, grabbed some champagne, and mingled with the fabulous crowd.

Once everyone was told to sit down for dinner, we snuck back outside to take pictures on the (now empty) red carpet.

Even though no one was around, we still made sure to waive to our adoring fans.

And strike a pose for the paparazzi.

After we got our fill of photos, we joined the other attendees at the dinner.

Imagine our surprise when we realized that our table was two down from where Paul (I figure this party allows us to be on a first name basis!) was sitting.

After the main course, the show began.  Cirque du Soleil performed acrobatic tricks inspired by their Las Vegas LOVE show honoring the Beatles.  Eddie Izzard, who is now one of my favorite commedians, shared with the crowd the hilarious (and completely made up) story of Paul’s childhood and ascention to fame.

Then one by one performers took the stage to pay tribue to Paul’s musical legacy. The Foo Fighters rocked out to “Jet,” Alicia Keys performed “Blackbird” on the piano, Norah Jones sang “Oh! Darling,” and Neil Young & Crazy Horse performed a showstopping “I Saw Her Standing There.”

But my favorites of the night were Katy Perry’s “Hey Jude,” and Coldplay’s “We Can Work it Out.”

Of course, the show wouldn’t have been complete without the man of the hour, and at the end of the night Paul took the stage.  He performed some new and old songs, and finished with “Golden Slumbers” which merged into “Carry That Weight” which finally melted into “The End.”

The MusiCares Benefit Gala is always the Friday before the Grammy Awards.  If you would like to attend this year, make sure to get your tickets ASAP by calling MusiCares at 310.392.3777.

And did I mention there is a fabulous swag bag??

~A