David Lynch Tribute Was a Night to Remember

Stephanie Hernandez

Legendary director David Lynch has left an insurmountable impression on both the film and television industries. His cult favorite works beginning with 1980’s “The Elephant Man,” to science fiction epic “Dune,” to the classic series “Twin Peaks,” Lynch has truly covered every territory. David has not made a feature film since 2006, instead using the time to record albums, shoot a concert film with Duran Duran and even appear on a few episodes of Louie all while maintaining his mysterious and enigmatic air. In celebration of the 10-year anniversary of The David Lynch Foundation, the charity held a tribute to “The Music of David Lynch” Wednesday April 1 at the Ace Hotel Theatre.

The night was meant to serve as an examination of the ambient songs and sounds Lynch has become famous for incorporating in his films. A surreal few hours were spent at the Ace Hotel featuring performances from a wide selection of artists including Donovan, The Flaming Lips, and Karen O. Lynch, keeping with his persona, stayed out of the proverbial spotlight and instead decided to let the music take center stage. The theatre, a renovated ornate 1920’s movie palace, was drenched in red, blue, and purple lighting creating a darkly ethereal space, the perfect setting for the show about to take place. Those in attendance at the sold out event, made up of just about 1,600 started off their night with video clips featuring everyone from Paul McCartney to Jerry Seinfeld, explaining the benefits of transcendental meditation; The foundations main form of community outreach. The first highlight of the night came when Lynch’s longtime composer Angelo Badalamenti’s haunting performance of “Laura Palmer’s Theme,” from Twin peaks. Sky Ferreira then took the stage with a stripped down gentle rendition of “Blue Velvet” the iconic song best known for its appearance in the 1986 film of the same name.  The love and admiration of Lynch’s music amongst the performers was palpable.

The first half of the night featured mostly female singers, giving the songs the rich and layered sound they needed. From Chrysta Bell‘s Bluesy “Swing With Me,” to the standing ovation inducing a cappella version of “Llorando” by Rebekah Del Rio. The nights largest names took the stage towards the end of the two-hour affair. Moby‘s take on “Laura Palmer’s Theme” and “Go” gave the audience a chance to get out of their seats and dance as he pounded away on conga drums and swayed with them. Then came Wayne Coyne and Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips. The two played a mashup of instrumentals from the Lynch film Eraserhead alongside the score of Lynch’s subsequent film, “The Elephant Man” all while Coyne on hands and knees spoke dialogue from the film into the mike as lyrics over the sound. Duran Duran rounded out the evening with “The Chauffeur,” “Ordinary World” and “Hungry Like the Wolf,” a dreamlike ending to a truly magical evening.

Lynch himself only took the stage once briefly towards the end of the night to give thanks to the performers and contributors to the evening. The night was the perfect sonic tribute to a man whose music and style has impacted the psyche of American film connoisseurs all over the world. Dark, vulnerable and ethereal, Lynch’s music is as haunting as it is relatable. His ability to use music and sound to create layers of cinematic depth and complexity has helped to set his films apart from other mainstream directors. Whether it is the use of synth and space in the theme song for ‘Twin Peaks’ or ‘Blue Velvet’s’ airy and haunting soundtrack, there is simply something special happening with his music and It was about time for a tribute to Lynch’s thoughtfulness was paid.

The Music of David Lynch was celebrated at the Ace Hotel Theatre April 1.