Friends, Family Celebrate Holidays With The Boss

Bruce Springsteen surrounded himself with friends and family last night (Dec. 17) for the first of two holiday charity concerts in his old stomping grounds of Asbury Park, N.J. The shore town's aging Convention Hall not only offered refuge from a blustery, rainy winter night, but also played host to a jovial rock'n'roll revue that benefited local organizations. Principally backed by the Max Weinberg 7, Springsteen was joined at various points by every current member of the E Street Band -- Clarence Clemons, Roy Bittan, Little Steven Van Zandt, Danny Federici, Gary Tallent, Nils Lofgren, and Patti Scialfa -- as well as sometime collaborator violinist/vocalist Soozie Tyrell, vocalist Lisa Lowell, and N.J. shore music scene staples Southside Johnny Lyon and Bobby Bandiera. The set list was largely made up of dusty gems from the Boss' catalog -- such as "E Street Shuffle," "Kitty's Back," and a raucous version of "Rosalita" that brought down the house -- and holiday fare, including "Blue Christmas," "Run Run Rudolph," and "Merry Christmas Baby." In between, Springsteen shared the spotlight by giving others the run of the stage for their own material. The night also saw new songs delivered by Springsteen ("My Town Of Ruins") and Scialfa ("Rose"). Seldom seen manager Jon Landau even joined in the fun, strapping on a guitar for the set ending "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," which saw all of the night's participants on stage. For the night's closing number, a rip through "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," a dancing snowman and reindeer, St. Nick and his elves, and even Springsteen's mother took the stage to dance, sing, and toss candy to the crowd. Sunday's show benefited four charities -- the Greater Asbury Park Chamber Of Commerce, Epiphany House, the Center In Asbury Park, and Substance Abuse Resources. Tonight, Springsteen will host a second holiday concert at the venue, this one benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County, the Women's Center of Monmouth County, the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, and the Parker Family Health Clinic. Visit Billboard.com's Live Reviews section later today for a full review of the show.