February 12th, 2015
NEW YORK, NY:
Thursday night at the Soho Kenneth Cole outlet, Jon Bon Jovi and Kenneth Cole teamed up to curate an intimate acoustic concert series to showcase songwriters. The "Common Thread" acoustic series spotlighted singers Rodney Atkins, his wife Rose Falcon, and a new Philadelphia artist, Cole Redding. The invite only show only allowed about one hundred lucky fans in, many of whom waited outside in below freezing temperature for hours.
The show started with Jon Bon Jovi taking the stage with his black Takamine for an acoustic performance of Who Say’s You Can’t Go Home.
Bobby Bandiera, one of Jersey shore’s unsung heroes, joined Jon on guitar for the performance.
Bobby Bandiera (2015)
With a huge catalog of hits to choose from, Livin’ On A Prayer and Wanted Dead Or Alive was included in the set. A special performance of Someday I’ll Be A Saturday Night pleased the fans in attendance.
For the world-wide fans who were unable to attend this private show, the audio was streamed online. (@BonJovi) and (@KennethCole) provided further information, and live updates with photos and videos to encourage social media fans to interact.
This isn’t the first time the Kenneth Cole and Jon Bon Jovi have partnered up. In 2007, the two announced R.S.V.P, a men’s cologne used to support their campaign to raise money for charities.
The two have remained friends over the years and have made it part of their mission to raise money in any way they can. This night was focusing on helping the next generation of songwriters while drawing similarities to the music and fashion industry. With both men always working to give back, there is sure to be more to come from this duo.
Next up was Philadelphia native, Cole Redding who had been in the studio for the past 18 months writing and recording songs for his upcoming release. He's been recording with sound engineer Obie O'brien, who records for Bon Jovi as well.
Jon Bon Jovi contributed to some of songs on Redding's next record, one of which he played live. As he went through his set of songs, we got a sneak peak of what’s to come for the new, soulful rock record. Jon Bon Jovi watched the performance side-stage with a proud look on his face.
Rodney Atkins followed up with a high energy performance of his set of hit country songs. A performance of If You’re Going Through Hell had the attendees singing along as Atkins and his fellow guitarist jammed on stage. Farmer’s Daughter drew laughs and smiles from the crowd who were engaging with the songs.
The show ended with a beautiful performance from Rose Falcon, who joked that she ‘never had Bon Jovi open for her before’. Playing a beautifully custom engraved guitar with a rose on it, she performed four songs she has been working on.
