90th Celebration Benefit Concert for Seva Foundation

Seva Foundation is staging a benefit concert in San Francisco on Saturday, May 16, to mark Wavy Gravy’s 90th birthday and raise money for the nonprofit’s eye-care work. The event is set for 7 p.m. at The Masonic, according to Seva and Live Nation. (seva.org) The announced lineup includes Cat Power, Steve Earle, Todd Rundgren, Maria Muldaur, Rickie Lee Jones, Peter Rowan, Harper Simon, Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz, The Moldy Peaches and Aloe Blacc, with Wavy Gravy also listed on the bill. Seva describes the show as a one-night benefit supporting its work to prevent blindness and restore sight worldwide. ### Who is this concert actually celebrating? Wavy Gravy is the focus of the May 16 event, and Seva identifies him as an activist, counterculture figure and co-founder of the organization. The concert is being presented as his 90th birthday celebration, with proceeds tied to Seva’s charitable work. The San Francisco Standard included the concert in its May 13 roundup of notable Bay Area events for the week, describing it as one of the highlighted options for the weekend. ### Which musicians are confirmed for the bill? (seva.org) Seva’s event page lists Steve Earle, Todd Rundgren, Rickie Lee Jones, Cat Power, Lebo, Peter Rowan, Maria Muldaur, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Harper Simon, The Moldy Peaches, Aloe Blacc and “very special guests.” Live Nation’s event listing names Cat Power, Rickie Lee Jones, Steve Earle, The Moldy Peaches, Todd Rundgren, Maria Muldaur, Peter Rowan, Harper Simon and Dan Lebowitz. (seva.org) A separate event listing says Larry Campbell is serving as musical director and will be joined by Tony Garnier, Greg Leisz, Matt Rollings, Denny Fongheiser and Teresa Williams. (sfstandard.com) ### What is the benefit supporting? Seva says the concert will support its programs to prevent blindness and restore sight. The organization says it has worked for nearly 50 years in underserved communities worldwide and has helped more than 75 million people receive eye care. (seva.org) Seva’s event page also says tickets and VIP purchases are tied to fundraising for its programming. The nonprofit cites World Health Organization-linked research on the economic return of eye-health spending as part of its pitch to donors and attendees. (livenation.com) ### Where is it, and how much do tickets cost? The Masonic in San Francisco is the venue, and both Seva and Live Nation list a 7 p.m. start time on Saturday, May 16. Live Nation directs buyers to tickets for the show, while Seva says tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster. (seva.org) DoTheBay lists general ticket prices ranging from $71 to $276. Seva separately lists VIP tiers at $1,250, $2,500 and $5,000, with perks including reserved seating, reception access and early entry. (seva.org) ### What happens next for anyone planning to go? Saturday, May 16, is the next key date: doors are listed as opening at 6 p.m. on one event page, with the concert scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at The Masonic. Seva and Live Nation both continue to direct attendees to Ticketmaster-linked sales, and Seva says VIP access is limited. (seva.org) (eventsfy.com) (dothebay.com)