By Miranda Friedman
Staff Writer

Neil Young and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are not commonly seen on stage together, and neither are Paul McCartney and Ben Harper. So what’s going on? It can’t be because of a similarity in musical genres, nor is it a reunion of artists from one particular era. The legendary Young has teamed up with these artists, because they all share a common desire to help children who attend the Bridge School of Hillsborough.
For those students who have heard all the hype about the Bridge School Benefit Concert, but are unaware of its background, yes, the Bridge School is a real place. And yes, it does benefit from the proceeds.
The Annual Bridge School Benefit Concert was started by Neil Young and his wife Pegi in 1986 to raise money for children at the Bridge School, where their son received speech and physical therapy. Sunday, October 24, the benefit tradition will be entering its 18th year. Carefully selected performers sing for free at the concert for students and alumni of the Bridge School.
The school’s focus is on communication and speech development for children with sensory and speech impairments. All the profits go toward supplies, software and financial aid for Bridge School students.
Matt McGillis of Los Altos, now 21, attended the Bridge School for 8 years because of his cerebral palsy. His senior sister Rachel McGillis and freshman brother Mitch McGillis attend Los Altos High School, and have been going to the Bridge School concerts with their brother and the rest of their family every year since Matt began attending the Bridge School.
Bridge School students, families and alumni are often invited on stage where the performers dedicate songs to them.
“It’s a great experience for the kids. They get to meet the musicians and others who love music,” Rachel said. “Matt looks forward to it every year. It’s his favorite event, because he loves music and seeing Neil Young’s performances. This year he’s looking forward to seeing Los Lonely Boys.”
Along with the McGillis family, other Los Altos High School affiliates contribute to the Bridge School by attending the benefit at Shoreline Amphitheater. This year, over 30 seniors alone are predicted to join the fight for communication.