20th Anniversary of “Garden State” Soundtrack Celebrated with Concert

A special concert commemorating the 20th anniversary of the “Garden State” movie soundtrack is set to take place at Los Angeles' Greek Theatre on March 29. Organized by actor and director Zach Braff, the event aims to celebrate the enduring legacy of the soundtrack that significantly influenced the indie music scene in the early 2000s.

The 2004 film “Garden State,” written, directed, and starred by Zach Braff, gained widespread recognition not just for its narrative but also for its influential soundtrack. Songs from bands such as The Shins, Coldplay, and Iron & Wine contributed to the film’s emotional depth, resonating with audiences globally. Natalie Portman also starred in the film, and her character’s introduction of The Shins’ “New Slang” was a pivotal moment that significantly increased the band’s popularity.

Reflecting on the soundtrack’s impact, The Shins’ frontman James Mercer told Rolling Stone, “We have a lot of young people in our audience still, and I think it’s probably because of Garden State.” Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam noted the immediate effect of the film, stating, “Literally the size of our shows doubled overnight.”

The anniversary concert will feature performances from several artists associated with the original soundtrack, including The Shins, Iron & Wine, Frou Frou, and Colin Hay. Proceeds from the event will benefit Midnight Mission, a nonprofit in Los Angeles that provides essential services to the homeless.

The idea originated during the COVID-19 pandemic when Braff and friends began assembling lunches for the Midnight Mission. This charitable work inspired Cary Brothers, a singer and friend of Braff’s who contributed to the film’s soundtrack, to propose the anniversary concert.

Both Braff and Brothers have been heavily involved in the preparations, with Brothers explaining, “I want to raise as much money as possible for the Midnight Mission, a charity that I adore.” The concert promises to be a memorable event, bringing together the artists for the first time to perform the soundtrack in full.

Zach Braff expressed excitement about the concert, mentioning that it offers a unique opportunity to revisit the incredible impact the film and its music had on audiences. “Opportunities like this are incredibly rare,” said executive producer Laura Glass, emphasizing the event’s importance.

The soundtrack’s influence continues to be recognized, with its songs still resonating with fans new and old. This concert will celebrate the film’s ongoing cultural impact, providing a nostalgic experience for many and benefiting a critical cause.

Tickets for the Garden State 20th Anniversary Concert will go on sale at 9 a.m. PT on Friday, with all proceeds contributing to the Midnight Mission’s efforts.