Perhaps no big surprise, getting some of the most recognized musicians in music to participate in a large event such as this is really not that difficult. The battle as John McDermott, event producer explains, "is to not overload the slate. With a mere 90-minute time slot, we have to ensure that we don't cram too much in. Having worked on a number of events such as these, plus the Stone Free tribute album in the early `90s it isn't about who is going to be involved, or who is going to perform what song, it's the overall spirit of the event. Everyone we contact wanted to be a part of the event, but because of conflicting schedules and constraints due to tour obligations, it can be a challenge to coordinate everything, but in the end, its simply the power and appeal of Jimi's music that brings these artists together."

Like past events held in San Diego (2001), Cleveland (2000), and Seattle (1998), one goal of this event is to bring in many of the musicians that Jimi himself performed with. "Getting Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, and Buddy Miles involved with these events is not only exciting for them, but all of the other artists really enjoy having the opportunity to perform with them," says McDermott. "It's a way to help keep the legacy going forward," explains Billy Cox. "I just love these events. Not everyone has the opportunity to leave a memorable mark and a lasting legacy in this world. I had my opportunity when I played with Jimi, but being involved with these events every year is an outstanding opportunity that lets me continually be involved with his legacy but also to help solidify my own legacy. I know that when it's time for me to go, that music fans around the world will also remember Billy Cox."

In addition to Billy Cox, this year's event marked the first time since the 1995 Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Festival held at Seattle's Bumbershoot that Billy Cox, Buddy Miles, and Mitch Mitchell all gathered together for a single event. For some of the fellow participants such as ex-Janes Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro, getting on stage with the likes of original Experience drummer, Mitch Mitchell is a chance of a lifetime. "I just can't believe this is happening," exclaims Navarro. "How cool is this? I've always wanted to have the opportunity to do something like this."

Talent aside, one of the most intriguing aspects of holding a live tribute concert is that it provides an outlet for musicians from a variety of backgrounds to come together and explore Jimi's music in a unique environment. In addition to some very unique musical pairings with musicians that would not otherwise ever meet in the same setting, the tribute gives these artists the opportunity to give a little back to someone who has inspired them with their own playing.

"Most musicians would tell you that Jimi inspired them in some way, especially guitarists," explains Janie Hendrix. "Jimi was an inspiration to them and likewise they inspire others. When they pay homage to Jimi they in essence keep the flame alive by allowing fans to feel the music not just hear the music, but to see the "Electric Church" come together and experience the notes and the feeling that Jimi left behind for us to enjoy."

"We enjoy doing this so much," adds McDermott. "The artists get to share their love of Jimi's music and do so in an environment that is completely different than that of producing an album in the studio. These are very exciting events that bring together a variety of artists who generally would never get to perform together under normal circumstances ... although Billy and Mitch didn't perform with Robert Randolph on stage, during rehearsals they had the opportunity to jam together backstage. That version of `Purple Haze' backstage was far out."

One of the inspiring forces behind such a tribute is to look back and hopefully build upon Jimi's original "Electric Church" concept. To do that, Experience Hendrix gathered an inspiring collective of artists from around the globe including Stephen Stills (whom Hendrix recorded with in the studio and is prominently featured on Stills self-titled debut release from 1970), along with axe-slingers like Slash, Dave Navarro, and Eric Gales. Blues artists both young and old were also gathered including, ex-Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor who flew in from England to perform a single song, and up-and-coming artists like bluesman, Bernard Allison (son of the late Luther Allison), and 12-string lap steel guitarist Robert Randolph who is best known for his electrifying southern gospel music stylings. Guitar slingers like Sheldon Reynolds (ex-Earth Wind & Fire) and harpist Jym Fahey joined the foray lending pungent stripes of soul, rhythm, and blues to the mix. Adding a touch of modern rock, Kyle Cook, guitarist for the hit-group Matchbox 20, and who has recently worked with engineer Eddie Kramer on a forthcoming solo project, joined in preparations for the evening event.

Local east-L.A. music favorites Los Lobos were also on hand for the event, playing triple duty this day, with stage performances both before and after the tribute concert in addition to participating in a couple of songs during the Hendrix set. The blazing talents of Indigenous featuring the brother/sister combo of Mato Nanji, Pte, Wandbi, and Horse added a fiery blend of rock and blues. An exciting one-two punch of fire was added to the mix as original Stevie Ray Vaughan's Double Trouble band members, Tommy Shannon (bass) and Chris Layton (drums) came to this year's event alongside fellow blues/rock players Kenny Wayne Shepherd and his vocalist Noah Hunt. Also here was the genre bending alternative rock group Living Colour featuring Vernon Reid, Corey Glover, Will Calhoun, and Doug Wimbish (who recently toured with Busta Rhymes during Moby's Area 2 Tour).

"All of these musicians gave of themselves unselfishly for this event," confirms Janie Hendrix. "They were as honored as they were to play at the event as we were to have be a part of the tribute concert." What's perhaps the most fascinating part of seeing a group of artists come together is that all of the preconceived notions, expectations, and past histories are ignored. Just as Jimi Hendrix had dreamed of this unifying musical force, which he dubbed the Electric Church, where "any person, regardless of their background, age, sex, or religion could gather and play music" - this tribute to is as much a tribute to Jimi Hendrix as it is to his vision to forge diversity in music. Ultimately, it's an event that as Janie Hendrix explains, "gives these incredible musicians a chance to check their egos at the door and to come and present their own vision and creativity of Jimi's music."

[ click here to read about the tribute concert ]

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