Missed the Bridge School benefit? Now hear this

Last month, this column previewed the 2006 Bridge School Benefit Concert, but for most California rock fans, that sparkling annual all-star show in Mountain View is one they always want to attend but always seem to put off for reasons of ticketing, travel or time.

This year’s was the 20th anniversary edition and was highlighted by the burnished acoustic work of Neil Young (host and cofounder of the charity event), a brooding strings-backed set by Trent Reznor, an emotional appearance by Pearl Jam and ... well, you get the idea: Another year, another must-see show you missed.

But now there is consolation.

This week, iTunes will post a deep archive of performances for sale from the famous concert franchise that raises money for the Bridge School, a Northern California haven for children with profound developmental and educational challenges.

Not only does the downloadable library help a good cause, it also includes truly singular moments. There are tracks of Young performing his songs with the help of celebrated peers (Bruce Springsteen on “Helpless,” for example, and the Dave Matthews Band on “Cortez the Killer”) as well as interesting covers (check out Thom Yorke’s version of “After the Gold Rush” or mull Billy Idol’s unexpected channeling of “For What It’s Worth”).

The all-acoustic format, meanwhile, is tailor-made for some of the artists (Willie Nelson, Bright Eyes, James Taylor) and an intriguing change of pace for others (Metallica, Green Day, the Red Hot Chili Peppers).

No matter what, a discerning rock fan will find plenty of revered names in the index, including Lou Reed, Tom Waits, Wilco, R.E.M. and Don Henley.

The archive will continue to grow, with more material being added as soon as next month, according to Pegi Young, wife and stage companion of the singer and a guiding hand behind the venerable concert franchise.

“We’ve seen and heard so much amazing music in the 20 years of Bridge School concerts, it’s wonderful now that we can share a lot of it with listeners around the world.... We also look forward to the future and the musical surprises that make those shows so special.”

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-- Geoff Boucher