A musical reunion: Zach Braff celebrates ‘Garden State’ with a 20th-anniversary concert
Zach Braff is reuniting the iconic soundtrack bands from his beloved film “Garden State” for a special 20th-anniversary concert. This one-night event, set for March 29, 2025, at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, promises to be a musical celebration like no other.
The lineup and special guests
Get ready to experience an evening filled with performances from The Shins, Iron & Wine, Frou Frou, Colin Hay, Thievery Corporation, Remy Zero, Cary Brothers, Bonnie Somerville, and Sophie Barker from Zero 7. Additional special guests will be announced as the event approaches, adding an element of surprise to this already star-studded lineup.
The cause behind the music
More than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this concert will also serve a noble purpose. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Midnight Mission, an organization dedicated to providing support and shelter for unhoused individuals in downtown Los Angeles. Zach Braff expressed his enthusiasm for the cause, stating that the mission of The Midnight Mission deeply resonates with him, and bringing together this group of talented artists to support such a vital cause was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“When I was first approached about doing a concert for the 20th anniversary, I was like, ‘I don’t know how we’re ever going to get all these bands together at the same time,’” Braff shared. “But when the notion of doing it as a benefit for The Midnight Mission came up, I was all in.”
A trip down memory lane
Reflecting on the making of “Garden State,” Braff shared insights and anecdotes from the past two decades. Remarkably, he remembers the first day on set vividly and offers advice to aspiring filmmakers: plan your first day to impress the producers. “So I planned a very simple day. It was the scene where I go to the house party – not the whole ecstasy-taking party scene, but just entering the party, going into the kitchen,” Braff recalled with a smile.
The film became a personal and professional milestone for Braff. He fondly remembers his first meeting with Natalie Portman at the Newsroom Café, where their shared love for theater cemented an instant connection. “We instantly clicked,” he said. “She loved the script, and we were off to the races.”
Preserving the film’s legacy
Despite numerous offers and pitches over the years, including a Broadway musical adaptation, Braff has consistently declined to expand “Garden State” into a franchise. He believes the original film holds a unique place in fans’ hearts and wishes to preserve its legacy. “I don’t want to do anything that would ruin people’s memory of it,” he stated.
What’s next for “Scrubs”?
Fans of Braff’s other major work, Scrubs, have something to look forward to as well. Creator Bill Lawrence has indicated that a revival of the beloved TV series is inching closer to reality. The challenge lies in navigating the business aspects, given that Scrubs is a Disney show and Lawrence has a deal with Warner Bros. Braff is enthusiastic about the possibility, saying, “The idea of getting back together with my friends and doing like 10 or 12 episodes sounds like a dream.”
The significance of Los Angeles
While New Jersey holds a special place in his heart, Los Angeles felt like the right venue for this concert. Braff explained, “I live in Los Angeles, and I’m very aware, as anyone who drives around the city, of the crisis related to people living on the street and the unhoused.” His passion for the cause is palpable, and he hopes the concert will raise significant funds and awareness for The Midnight Mission.
Dreaming big
There’s already talk of taking the concert on the road, potentially even to Broadway. With enthusiasm building and the band’s commitment to the cause, the idea of expanding this celebration is tantalizingly within reach. “I am all for this fantasy that we raise so much money for charity, and the bands are down that we’re like, ‘Let’s take this show on the road,’” Braff envisioned.
A place of honor
Braff proudly displays his Grammy and Independent Spirit Award for best first feature on his mantle, symbols of the impact and success of “Garden State.”
As the concert date approaches, anticipation builds among fans and supporters alike. This reunion promises not only an unforgettable musical experience but also a chance to make a real difference in the lives of those served by The Midnight Mission.
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