By Tim Saunders on
Fans of the Black Eyed Peas were out in droves last Thursday night as the band played a special charity show at the Conga Room in Los Angeles.
Band members Fergie, will.i.am, Taboo and all performed at the show, and there were special guest appearances by Lupe Fiasco, Nikka Costa and Boyz II Men. Proceeds went to The Peapod Foundation, an organization set up by the band to give back to the band members’ communities around the world. Founded by will.i.am and Polo Molina of Grassroots Productions, The Peapod benefit concerts date back to the earliest incarnation of The Black Eyed Peas and began as charity toy drives for Los Angeles based children and local orphanages.
“Music penetrates through all types of boundaries and crosses all kinds of barriers,” will.i.am told the Associated Press before the show. “It gives us a commonality through rhythm and melody. Music has brought the world together.”
“For people without the means or a place to go, it feels good for us to give them opportunities,” added Fergie.
LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was also on hand at the event, and was presented with the Peapod Leadership Award in recognition of his commitment to arts education in the city.
“I believe in what the Peapod Foundation is about,” he said. “When you’ve been blessed, you’ve got to bless others. The Peapod Foundation is all about giving back.”
Also in attendance were Slash and Rihanna.
Black Eyed Peas member apl.de.ap was absent from the event due to the murder of his brother.
Copyright © 2009 Look to the Stars
