UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals will present its 16th annual Notes & Words benefit, featuring musical sets from talented acts and readings from best-selling authors, at The Masonic in San Francisco on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The lineup for this evening of smart, satisfying entertainment includes Grammy Award-winning rock, soul, and blues guitar virtuoso, Gary Clark Jr.; singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Grace Potter; contemporary vocal ensemble CO-LLAB Choir; and supercharged Oakland band of siblings MeloDious. Writers will include international bestselling author of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin; and celebrated scholar, writer, and researcher Cat Bohannon.
The benefit will begin with Bubbles & Banter, an exclusive behind the scenes conversation with author Cat Bohannon. A VIP reception featuring delectable eats and distinctive cocktails follows the conversation, before the musicians and authors take the stage to perform. The night ends with an After Party including cocktails, late night bites, dancing, and more.
Proceeds from Notes & Words go directly to supporting UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, the top pediatric hospital for cancer care, cardiology, and urology in Northern California and a leader in innovative pediatric medicine. In addition to providing the highest quality care across a wide range of specialties, the hospitals offer essential programs like music therapy, art classes, therapy dog visits, massage, and more to support patients’ emotional and developmental needs. It also helps ensure the health of the community, advocating for vulnerable children living in at-risk situations and providing early interventions for kids facing challenges like asthma, obesity, and diabetes.
Because insurance only covers a fraction of the cost for medical expenses, the hospital depends on philanthropic support to help transform children’s lives. Through events like Notes & Words and the generous philanthropic spirit of the community, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals can stand as leaders in pediatric health care.
Since its inception, Notes & Words has raised over $17 million for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. Past performers have included musicians Alanis Morissette, Chris Martin, Dave Grohl, Beck, Brittney Howard, Daveed Diggs, and authors Nicholas D. Kristof, Michael Lewis, Andrew Sean Greer, Jim Gaffigan, Kelly Corrigan, Anna Quindlen and Margaret Atwood.
The 16th annual Notes & Words will be held at the SF Masonic (1111 California Street, San Francisco) on Saturday, April 5, 2025, General admission tickets for the benefit start at $125. For VIP tickets and event sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.notesandwords.org/tickets.
More information about Notes & Words can be found at www.notesandwords.org.
