In the heart of Mill Valley, the Sweetwater Music Hall’s stage is set for more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of resilience, community and the transformative power of music.
On Monday, Dec. 9, Music Heals International (MHI) will host its annual benefit concert, Women Rock, Music Heals!, featuring multi-platinum artist Joan Osborne and a star-studded lineup of musicians.
While the event promises an unforgettable night of music, its true purpose is far more profound: raising funds and awareness for MHI’s mission to bring free music education to children in Haiti, India and Venezuela.
MHI was founded by Sara Wasserman, a singer-songwriter, recording artist and producer whose first forays into performing started with RatDog with her father, Grammy-winning bassist Rob Wasserman, and the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir.
The organization is rooted in the belief that music is a universal language capable of healing and inspiring.
“Music gives people a sense of meaning and belonging, which is a big form of healing as well,” Wasserman shared. Since its inception, MHI has used music to bridge divides and empower children living in extreme poverty, recovering from natural disasters or living with disabilities.
This year’s benefit carries extra weight, serving as both a tribute to the late Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, who was a notable Marin presence, and a celebration of MHI’s growing legacy. As Wasserman put it, “We really wanted to do something to celebrate him. It ties so many musicians together who’ve supported MHI over the years. It’s an extended part of our community.”
The Healing Power of Music
For Osborne, the concert’s headliner, the theme of Music Heals resonates deeply. “The notion that music heals is something I’ve based my entire life on,” she explained. “It’s one of those magic things in this world that has so much power.”
Osborne, known for her soulful voice and hit single, “One of Us,” brings decades of experience to the stage and a personal connection to MHI’s work. While reflecting on her new album, which explores themes of personal loss and resilience, Osborne spoke about the cathartic power of music: “I thought I could either wall it off and make music that’s an escape, or I could use it as something that the music can deal with, reach across the divide. Maybe other people are dealing with the same things, too.”
Her involvement in this year’s concert feels serendipitous, not only because of her past collaborations with Lesh but also because of the synchronicity between her own artistic journey and MHI’s mission.
Osborne, who worked with Lesh and the Grateful Dead during her time as a guest vocalist for The Dead in 2003, reflected on his profound impact. “Phil’s passing is sad, but he readily admitted that his liver transplant decades ago gave him more years than he ever expected. And he made the most of it,” she shared.
The benefit concert evening will include a performance by members of the Grateful Dead family, including David Nelson, Melvin Seals and Barry Sless, among others. Wasserman described how the spontaneity of these performances often creates magical moments. “We can plan and plan, but the shows kind of take on a life of their own. That’s the beauty of it,” she noted.
Local Roots, Global Impact
From its home base in Mill Valley, MHI has extended its reach to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. “In Haiti, for example, we’ve worked with a community in Port-au-Prince for over a decade,” Wasserman said. “The program has brought the community together—families come out to support the children’s concerts.”
These programs do more than teach music. They foster teamwork, goal-setting and emotional resilience, all while promoting creativity. By focusing on these life skills, MHI helps children build the confidence they need to face life’s challenges. “We’ve seen the impact firsthand,” Wasserman emphasized. “Music has the ability to unify and create community instantly.”
The organization also supports young women in music—a theme reflected in this year’s benefit concert. The debut of the MHI Female All Stars, featuring musicians like Holly Bowling, Angeline Saris and Daria Johnson, underscores MHI’s commitment to empowering musicians in the communities it serves.
Perfect Venue
The Sweetwater Music Hall is a fitting venue for this celebration, given its history and connection to the Bay Area music scene. “It’s such an iconic space,” Wasserman said. “Every year, this concert feels like a homecoming.”
In addition to the performances, the evening will feature a VIP reception with early entry, an artist meet-and-greet and exclusive memorabilia. Proceeds from the event will directly support MHI’s programs, furthering its mission to bring music education to children in need.
For Wasserman, MHI’s work is deeply personal. “When my dad passed away, this work became an anchor for me,” she shared. “It made me want to work harder to continue the legacy he left and make sure his work lived on.”
This sense of legacy is also reflected in the children who’ve grown up in MHI’s programs. “We have students who started with us 10 years ago and are now teaching,” Wasserman said. “It gives them a sense of meaning and belonging, which is such a big part of healing.”
Osborne, too, sees music as a way to create connection and tell stories. Beyond her performance at the benefit, she’s been busy with a new album, a book proposal for a memoir and an upcoming live album from her Dylanology tour. “I feel privileged to be able to make music for a living,” she said. “Events like this remind me of how powerful music can be—not just for the performer, but for everyone involved.”
Despite her busy schedule, Osborne remains dedicated to using her platform for good. “I’ve always tried to get involved in giving back, whether through benefit concerts or other initiatives,” she said.
To that end, Wasserman is stoked.
“I’m so excited that Joan is coming. I love her personally as a musician, and I watched her on stage. She opened for Further all those years ago when my dad was with Weir,” she recalled. “My dad and I would watch her during their set break. She’s amazing. I’m just really excited that she’s up for it.”
For tickets and more information, visit bit.ly/mhi-sweetwater.
