Goodwill, Good Times at Gimme Shelter Show

“Your presence here is more valuable than your vote,” quipped Bangles guitarist Vicki Peterson as the reunited group settled in on the Roxy stage Monday at the 11th annual Gimme Shelter benefit.

Some might say that could also apply to a session at a tanning salon these days. But there was definitely a sense of time well spent at this event, which not only raised money for the H.E.L.P. Group serving children with special needs, but also showed more Christmas spirit in its modest efforts than the commercialized seasonal shows put on by major radio stations.

When headliner Shelby Lynne announced that the show had raised $15,000, an audience member shouted, “That’s why we’re here,” to which Lynne responded, “Bless your little heart.” Which isn’t to say the fans didn’t receive as well as give, with an array of acts both familiar and up-and-coming giving short, largely low-key acoustic sets.

At times, perhaps, it was too low-key. In Lynne’s case, the stripped-down setting was a blessing, with the soul-drenched ache of songs from her acclaimed “I Am Shelby Lynne” clearer without the album’s sometimes self-consciously retro production.

But the Bangles’ four harmony-filled songs (including two planned for a new album) provided the only truly frisky stretch. And an electric set by L.A. band Remy Zero was the only thing that really rocked, its mix of a little “Abbey Road,” a little Radiohead and a little U2 perhaps not quite matching the ambitions.

Singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur, without his usual improvised loops and effects, lacked some of his haunting quality. Five for Fighting (the hockey-related alias of L.A. singer-songwriter John Ondrasik) tried too hard with his Hootie-Mellencamp heartland tunes. And newcomer Shannon McNally was too reserved in music and presence to make a solid mark.

The biggest lacks, though, were positives: no self-serving flogging of new albums, no kowtowing to radio programmers. This was the Charlie Brown Christmas tree of seasonal shows--overshadowed by the competition’s bright lights, but shining with the strongest spirit.