Songs of Hope VIPs gather on the red carpet: Pictured realizing they need an app to know the way to San Jose are (l-r) Event chair/host Ron Fair, event chair David Renzer, Aloe Blacc, Burt Bacharach, Clive Davis, UMPG Prexy North America Evan Lamberg, attorney/sports agent Doug Davis, EA's Steve Schnur and event emcee Jimmy Jam.

Last night’s Songs of Hope XI fest benefiting City of Hope drew a throng of industry luminaries to the gorgeously appointed House of Fair (i.e. Ron Fair’s house) to eat, drink, schmooze, hear some fine music and witness the bestowing of awards on both legendary and neophyte hitmakers.

Jimmy Jam served as MC, and introductory remarks came courtesy of UMPG’s Evan Lamberg, who noted the City of Hope’s great work and saluted fellow event chairs Doug Davis, EA’s Steve Schnur and David Renzer.

Biz icon Clive Davis presented the Legend in Songwriting Award to Burt Bacharach, after reeling off a huge list of classic songs that, as Davis argued, make a case for the brilliant tunesmith to be ranked alongside Cole Porter and the Gershwins.

Natalie Cole’s glowing rendition of Burt’s “That’s What Friends Are For” had the crowd swaying, singing along and holding hands—the kind of warm, connecting moment that can’t be contrived. Singer/songwriter Priscilla Renea turned heads with a powerhouse take on Bacharach’s movie theme “Alfie.”

Sony/ATV Co-President Rick Krim (pictured at left) presented the Martin Bandier Vanguard Award to Charli XCX, whose charming, brief acceptance speech included a shout-out to her parents, who were in from London. Composer Christophe Beck (Frozen), accepted the Electronic Arts Composer Award from Schnur.

Contemporary Songwriter Award winner Aloe Blacc performed the Avicii hit “Wake Me Up,” which he co-wrote and sang, as well as “The Man.” The singer/songwriter acknowledged attendee LL Cool J (pictured at right pretending to know our own Todd Hensley) as an idol. Davis brought out young artist Avery Wilson (whom he recently brought to The Voice), and the fledgling vocalist, frankly, killed.

Online and silent auctions, meanwhile, raised money with limited-edition and signed guitars, handwirtten lyrics and signed score music, as well as weekend passes to the Bay Clubs in San Diego.

Attendees were asked to mark their calendars for Nov. 5, when UMG topper Lucian Grainge will be a City of Hope's Spirit of Life honoree.

Even if you couldn't make it to last night's event, you can support City of Hope's extraordinary work here.