Pink and Willow Sage Hart Join Billy Joel Tribute at Carnegie Hall While Alexa Ray Joel Takes the Stage
By Website Content Manager
Alexa Ray Joel took the stage to sing Billy Joel’s “This Night,” with performances also from Rob Thomas, Wyclef Jean, Gavin DeGraw, and more.
Billy Joel’s tribute concert at Carnegie Hall was a dazzling celebration of music and family!
The “Piano Man” legend took the stage in New York City on Thursday, March 12, for a sold-out tribute presented by Michael Dorf. Among the star-studded audience were pop superstar Pink and her 14-year-old daughter, Willow Sage Hart. Adding a personal touch, Joel’s own daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, performed her father’s classic “This Night.”
The evening was directed by Joel’s longtime musical director and keyboardist, David Rosenthal, and featured performances from a lineup of celebrated artists, including Rob Thomas, Train’s Pat Monahan, Natalie Merchant, Gavin DeGraw, Rufus Wainwright, Yola, Wyclef Jean, and others.
Dorf commented, “It was an incredible honor to celebrate Billy Joel’s legendary songbook at Carnegie Hall with Billy himself in attendance. Seeing so many remarkable performers interpret his music and witnessing the audience’s response was truly unforgettable. Beyond the stage, the event also supports music education, giving future generations the chance to learn, create, and be inspired.”
In addition to Alexa Ray’s rendition of “This Night,” the concert featured Yola opening with “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” Rob Thomas performing “Vienna,” Pat Monahan singing “She’s Always a Woman,” and Rufus Wainwright delivering his take on “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel).” Other highlights included Natalie Merchant with “Allentown,” Gavin DeGraw performing “Big Shot,” Wyclef Jean, and students from the Music Will nonprofit performing “My Life,” among others. Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin led a sing-along of “Piano Man” toward the finale, which closed with a full-cast encore of “You May Be Right.”
The tribute, along with a sold-out live rehearsal at City Winery New York on March 11, raised more than $225,000 to support music education initiatives.