From The Big Easy to the Big Apple: The Scatterbrained Diaries, Volume 2

After a brief scare that I wouldn't be able to make the Strength Through Unity benefit for Haiti after discovering that online tickets were sold out, I laced up and walked the cool two blocks from my apartment to the Gowanus venue The Bell House ten minutes before doors opened. I was not the only one. There was already a line of about 30 people which more than tripled after five minutes of standing there. I thought surely they'll let me in. They have to, I only live two blocks away! But then again they might feel more sympathy for someone who came all the way from Jersey. But no matter, my fretting was relieved when they had plenty of tickets at the door. *phew*

AND PHEW INDEED because the show kicked ass. And what a great thing that it was sold out because all the proceeds go to Haiti earthquake victims. They reportedly raised $35,000. Not too shabby. So here's the rundown:

Eugene Mirman was the host with the most (you know, you know). Some might know him as the landlord on Flight of the Conchords. He appeared effortlessly funny and made a hilarious spoof of the Microsoft "diversity" commercial, throwing himself in the mix as the token outspoken white guy from Brooklyn, pointing out the asinine absurdity of Microsoft's attempt at heartfelt marketing.

Jimmy "I can't contain my laughter for shit" Fallon made an appearance as Neil Young and sang the Fresh Prince of Bell Air song to the tune of "Heart of Gold." Totally amazing. His impersonation was uncanny. He sure has the whole Weird Al vibe down, but a little less weird and a little more hip.

I'll just cut to the chase here - my favorite act by far was Lauren Ambrose and the Leisure Class, maybe because their New Orleans style gypsy jazz reminded me of home. They were fantastic and Lauren sang the crap out of those songs. I particularly enjoyed the hyper jazzed Bob Dylan cover. I would say which song it was except I can't currently recall. They said ALL proceeds go to Haiti which I assumed meant drink sales as well, so I obviously had to contribute as much as I could. You understand. If it's even possible, my girl crush on Lauren Ambrose has just grown stronger.

Other notable performances came from The Wrens who played a really satisfying rock set, slowly building up and then driving home each song. Then there was The Walkmen who closed it out with a filling brass quintet accompaniment of four trumpets and one trombone. And the appearance by Pat Kiernan, the man who gives New Yorkers their morning news each day on the local channel New York One was a real treat. He hosted trivia and reminded us to keep Haiti in our minds and do whatever we can to help them out.

As a Katrina evacuee and die hard New Orleanian, I can certainly empathize with the devastating Port au Prince tragedy. I was lucky enough to not have my house flooded and evacuate safely during Katrina but I've heard enough stories about the poor souls in the Superdome waiting without basic human essentials like food and water to know that the people in Haiti need fast and concentrated attention.