One year after the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena, a star-studded lineup of musicians and community leaders are coming together for a cause that hits close to home. On January 7, 2026, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium will host "A Concert for Altadena," a benefit event that aims to rally support and funds for those still recovering from the catastrophic wildfire. The concert is not just a night of music—it's a symbol of resilience, remembrance, and the power of community after disaster.
The Eaton Fire, which broke out in early January 2025, left a deep scar on the region. According to iNews, the blaze resulted in 19 fatalities, forced the evacuation of 100,000 people, and destroyed nearly 9,500 homes and structures. The aftermath has been a year-long struggle for thousands of families, small businesses, and first responders, many of whom are still picking up the pieces.
Recognizing the ongoing need for support, the Los Angeles-based band Dawes, whose members Griffin and Taylor Goldsmith lost property in the fire, spearheaded the organization of the concert. Actor and Altadena resident John C. Reilly, who also lost his home, will serve as the evening's host. The event is deeply personal for both the organizers and many performers, uniting them in a shared mission to help their neighbors rebuild.
The musical roster is as impressive as it is diverse. Dawes will perform alongside a host of acclaimed artists: Rufus Wainwright, Lucius, Lord Huron, and Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas are among the newly announced acts, according to Variety. They join an already packed bill featuring Brad Paisley, Jackson Browne, Brandon Flowers of The Killers, Stephen Stills, Mandy Moore, Aloe Blacc, Jenny Lewis, Everclear, Ozomatli with Taboo, and other special guests. The lineup reflects the broad musical community rallying for Altadena, with genres ranging from indie folk and rock to pop and Latin-fusion.
Beyond the music, the event serves a clear and urgent purpose: all proceeds will go to the Altadena Builds Back Foundation, a supporting organization of the Pasadena Community Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to channel every dollar raised directly into long-term recovery efforts for families, small businesses, and first responders affected by the fire. As Colorado Boulevard Newspaper reports, the funds will support housing recovery, food assistance, interim housing, and mental health services—crucial needs for a community still reeling from loss.
Tickets for the concert went on sale November 7, 2025, and are available to the public through ticketmaster.com and the official Dawes website. General admission starts at $97, making the event accessible to a wide audience, while exclusive VIP packages—offering premium seating, meet-and-greet access, and memorabilia—are priced up to $5,200. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 300 E. Green Street in Pasadena.
The concert’s reach extends beyond the auditorium. On December 18, Dawes will take the stage on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Aloe Blacc, Lucius, and Eric Krasno, offering a national preview of the benefit and a reminder of the ongoing need for support. This media exposure is expected to draw even more attention to the cause, bringing in donations from music fans and compassionate viewers across the country.
Sponsorship for "A Concert for Altadena" comes from a range of local and national organizations, including BeatBox Beverages, City National Bank, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Pasadena Federal Credit Union, The Levitt Foundation, Underscore Talent, California Love Drop, Altadena Girls Club, Hyatt Place Pasadena, Best Day Brewing, Gibson Brands, and Fender Musical Instruments. Their backing underscores the breadth of support for Altadena’s recovery, showing how businesses and nonprofits alike can play a role in community healing.
The Altadena Builds Back Foundation, according to its mission statement, was established to focus on the long-term recovery of housing in Altadena. By working through the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund, the organization ensures that donations are used efficiently and transparently, with every dollar going directly to those who need it most. The foundation’s work covers not just immediate relief, but also the longer process of rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and addressing the mental health impacts of disaster.
For many of the artists and organizers, the concert is a way to give back to a community that has given them so much. As Dawes stated, "It will be a heavy but beautiful night for the community." The sentiment is echoed by John C. Reilly, who, despite his own losses, has remained a visible and active supporter of local recovery efforts. Their involvement has helped galvanize both local residents and the broader music industry, turning grief into action and hope.
Community members and fans are encouraged not just to attend, but to participate in the wider recovery effort. In addition to the concert, there is a $2,500 matching donation challenge running through December 30, 2025, to support independent local journalism and ensure continued coverage of the region’s recovery. This challenge, reported by Colorado Boulevard Newspaper, doubles the impact of every contribution, reinforcing the idea that rebuilding requires collective effort from all corners of the community.
As the anniversary of the Eaton Fire approaches, "A Concert for Altadena" stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to heal. It’s a night that promises not only unforgettable performances but also the chance to make a real difference in the lives of those still struggling to recover. For Altadena, it’s a much-needed reminder that even after the flames have died down, the community’s heart continues to beat strong—together.
