Musician Andrew Bird performed a benefit concert at the Largo theater in Los Angeles on Saturday to raise funds for mental health organizations supporting healthcare workers. The event, titled “Andrew Bird and Friends,” sold out and featured a blend of music, storytelling, and comedy, aiming to shed light on the mental health challenges faced by medical professionals during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bird, known for his multi-instrumental performances, used the occasion to debut and celebrate “Need Someone,” an original song created for HBO’s drama series “The Pitt.” The show centers on a pivotal period in the lives of emergency healthcare workers in Pittsburgh. “Need Someone” is notable as the first original lyrical piece featured in the series, underscoring themes of trauma and recovery linked to frontline healthcare experiences. Bird described the series as a healing force, addressing the lingering effects of pandemic-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that many have yet to fully confront.
Joining Bird onstage was Gavin Brivik, the composer for “The Pitt,” who collaborated in the song’s creation. Brivik shared that he was inspired to ask Bird to develop the track after exchanging instrumental samples, and he enlisted the tune in a key narrative moment during the second season of the series. Despite his integral role behind the scenes of the HBO show, Brivik expressed excitement about performing live at Largo, a venue he has long admired for its intimate atmosphere and blend of musical and comedic acts.
The concert opened with stand-up comedian Emily Catalano, whose presence helped set a tone of candidness and connection that continued through Bird’s set. Bird alternated between new material from an upcoming album and selections from earlier works, including songs from his 2005 album “The Mysterious Production of Eggs.” Utilizing his violin, guitar, looping technology, and distinctive vocals, Bird created layered performances evocative of a one-man band, blending intricate musicianship with moments of humor and reflection.
The choice of Largo, known for its combination of music and comedy, was deliberate. Bird noted a kinship with comedians, appreciating their raw, unfiltered approach to performance, and aligning with his own preference for authenticity onstage. This ethos allowed Bird to interact openly with the audience, sharing insights about his songwriting process, discussing the intersection of creativity and technology, and sometimes restarting songs mid-performance to maintain an honest and spontaneous connection.
Organizers have yet to announce the specific mental health groups that will benefit from the concert’s proceeds. Bird indicated his team is evaluating several nonprofit options aimed at addressing burnout and stigma related to mental health services among healthcare workers—a demographic that has experienced significant attrition in recent years due to pandemic stressors.
The event marked a convergence of artistry and advocacy, highlighting mental health through a creative lens while fostering a shared experience among performers and attendees.