'Jersey 4 Jersey' virtual show featured some of best NJ artists
As New Jersey is one of the states most heavily impacted by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF) organized a star-studded fundraiser, Jersey 4 Jersey, with at-home performances from the state's very own Jon Bon Jovi, Tony Bennet, Halsey, SZA, Bruce Springsteen, Charlie Puth and other special appearances on April 22.
The 1-hour event raised money for the relief fund, which will go to services and organizations assisting with the COVID-19 crisis and supporting frontline workers and other essential employees .
"That's why we're asking everyone in our state to join the NJPRF and some of New Jersey's finest for some much needed musical entertainment, levity and Jersey pride during these unprecedented and uncertain times," First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Murphy said.
Springsteen opened the show with his wife Patti Scialfa and delivered a beautiful rendition of "Land of Hope and Dreams."
"We are here tonight dedicated to our healthcare workers and all of those who lost loved ones who are suffering and dying with this terrible disease right here, right now, in our beloved state," Springsteen said before diving into the performance.
Bon Jovi followed after and offered virtual hugs. He then performed "Do What You Can," a new song about the struggles people are facing surrounding the pandemic. The lyrics pertained to the ordinary person, seniors who are lamenting their graduation and those who are living paycheck to paycheck.
Jovi belted the chorus, "When you can't do what you do, you do what you can." He later returned to close the show with a slow, melancholic acoustic version of "Livin' On a Prayer."
SZA, who is from Maplewood, New Jersey, performed her melodic song "20 Something" joined by her friend Carter Lang on the guitar with her chilling vocals. Halsey joined the crew to sing "Finally // beautiful stranger" from her newest album "Manic" along with a violinist, a pianist and someone on the electric guitar. The instrumentals added a nice touch to the slow ballad.
Puth sang an impressive cover of Springsteen's "Growing Up" on the piano, saying the song meant a lot to him growing up near Asbury Park. His performance received a nod of approval from Springsteen himself, who called Puth to compliment him.
Other stars offered their support and expressed admiration for the state and its resilience and ability to unify during trying times. Kelly Ripa, the positive personality from Berlin, New Jersey, praised the New Jersey Relief Fund for supporting frontline workers and encouraged viewers to donate.
Ripa parted with, "We love you. We will never forget what you're doing for us."
Comedian Jon Stewart also joined in expressing love for the state, which he referred to as "land of Jersey Freeze and a good haircut." He also noted how proud he was to be from New Jersey and encouraged viewers to appreciate the "quiet heroes" that are risking their own lives to support those that are struggling.
Actor Danny Devito showed up to praise the relief fund as well and said that he's been staying at home and encouraged viewers to find ways to entertain themselves by listening to music. He then went on to tell a story reflecting about growing up in Asbury Park and riding his bike through town.
The show closed with Bon Jovi singing his classic "Livin' On a Prayer'' and Springsteen covering "Jersey Girl" by Tom Waits. Some of the biggest names in music and television who held ties to New Jersey came together to support a good cause, honoring frontline workers, providing messages of hope for our state and its residents and, of course, good, comforting music.
