Katy Perry surprised the 2,500 + First Responders with a four song opening set at the Kick Ash Bash
Kick Ash Bash gratitude event honored first responders while raising much needed funds for emergency equipment and relief efforts in the wake of the Thomas Fire and subsequent January 9 Debris Flow, which claimed 23 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes. One805 treated nearly 4,000 guests to an exciting lineup of live musical performances by Katy Perry, Alan Parsons, Kenny Loggins, David Crosby and the Sky Trails, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Dishwalla, The Sisterhood Band, Glen Phillips, Steve Vai, Richard Marx, Wilson Phillips, and Robby Krieger of The Doors, playing music on The Doors 50th Anniversary. Dennis Miller and Michael Keaton served as the master of ceremonies.
Transitioning at nightfall to "The After Bash", David Crosby led the evening line-up
As Show Producer, Brainstorm's Creative Director, Kirsten Cavendish booked all the talent and directed the show, working closely with Alan Parsons, Musical Director and Mick Treadwell, Stage Manager. Richard Weston-Smith headed up marketing and communications, collaborating with Blaze PR to facilitate multiple pre-event radio and TV interviews and attract worldwide press coverage. The event was picked up by Good Morning America, Inside Edition, ABC News, Time and CNN online, the Chicago Tribune, LA Times, Entertainment Tonight, Billboard and the British press, garnering a total of 290 million impressions. Brainstorm additionally designed the logo, the website and managed all social media, producing dozens of videos to promote the event, including celebrity shout-outs to the First Responders from Rob Lowe, Jeff Bridges, Billy Crystal, Olivia Newton John, Whoopi Goldberg and Jimmy Messina.
Despite having as many as fourteen performers and 10 hours of non-stop music and entertainment, the event was only six weeks in planning and pre-production. Brainstorm's show design, production and management skills were central to the successful execution of the show. The event raised over $2 Million for new equipment for First responders and assistance to the victims.
