Bruce Springsteen made an unannounced, electrifying appearance with Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul at the Stone Pony’s WhyHunger benefit on Sunday night (December 14), only to have the performance briefly interrupted by a fire alarm within the first minute. Undeterred, Springsteen and the crowd kept the energy high, as percussionist Anthony Almonte kept a beat going during the six-minute delay while the audience sang portions of “I Don’t Want to Go Home,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and Sam Cooke’s “Having a Party.” Once the alarm ceased, Springsteen and the band resumed with spirited renditions of “I Don’t Want to Go Home,” “10th Avenue Freeze-Out,” “Merry Christmas Baby,” and a ten-minute version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” marking a festive highlight to the evening celebrating WhyHunger’s 50th anniversary, which was founded by Harry Chapin. Springsteen’s surprise set followed earlier performances by Young the Giant, Yola, the Smithereens, and Steve Chapin and the Original Harry Chapin Band. (Rolling Stone)
