Musicians for UNICEF benefit concert at Josephina’s in Sherman Oaks, CA – Dec. 7, 1986

The Musicians for UNICEF benefit concert at Josephina’s in Sherman Oaks, California, was held on December 7, 1986. The concert was to benefit UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund), which was established on December 11, 1946 after World War II ended.

This was the 40th Anniversary year for UNICEF, and it was the first Super Sunday for the Musicians for UNICEF effort. The mission of UNICEF is to help children and young people whose lives and futures are at risk. They are a world-wide organization.

Randy Meisner was just one of many musicians who performed that evening at the 4 1/2 hour benefit show. A buffet dinner was included in the price of the $10 ticket, also. It was not unusual for Randy to help out with charity events. Among others, in 1992 he was involved in a charity concert for Hugh Wright, the drummer for Boy Howdy, who was injured in a very serious accident.

Musicians for UNICEF
Randy was performing at Josephina’s on Dec. 7, 1986.
A framed poster for the concert is on the wall behind him.

Randy Meisner

Since Randy is wearing a different shirt in this shot and his hair is styled differently, it is probable that this photo (and several others of the other musicians) was taken during the sound check/rehearsal.

Randy Meisner

Randy is being interviewed for “Entertainment Tonight” by the lady on the left. However, the interview and film tape of the concert were shelved and didn’t air on the show in favor of another story. Eddie Tuduri (in front) was a co-organizer of the benefit concert and was not happy to later learn the news that the story was not going to be on the show.

Randy Meisner (talking to news reporter), Eddie Tuduri in front looking into the camera (co-organizer of benefit concert), and Lon Price (saxophone player with the Billy Vera and the Beaters Band)

This event in 1986 was held at Josephina’s on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, CA. It was moved to the Pelican’s Retreat in Calabasas the next year.

LA Weekly (Los Angeles, CA) – Dec. 11, 1986

Random shots of other musicians participating in the 1986 UNICEF benefit that evening (including rehearsal photos)

By October 1987 the UNICEF concerts had moved to Pelican’s Retreat in Calabasas, CA.

“A group of Los Angeles based musicians will perform a benefit concert in Calabasas, California on Wednesday, October 7, under the name Musicians for UNICEF. Such artists as Tony Braunagel, Mark Campbell, Steve Toma, Joe Lala, Randy Meisner, Rick Roberts and Marcy Levy will perform at Pelican’s Retreat. ‘We’re just hoping we can raise awareness about UNICEF and what it does,’ explained co-organizer Steve Toma. Together with Eddie Tuduri, they have been instrumental in the Musicians for UNICEF effort. ‘This is not a chic cause, it’s been around for forty years. We are trying to build a dedicated support group here in Los Angeles – hopefully, this will grow into a regional, and national effort.’
Pictured are Toma (far left) and Tuduri from last year’s show.”

Cash Box – Oct. 3, 1987