THE ROCK CAMPAIGN TRAIL: The Rev. Jesse...

THE ROCK CAMPAIGN TRAIL: The Rev. Jesse Jackson was just in New York, meeting with Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner in the hopes of wrangling an endorsement for his presidential campaign. Here in L.A., he’s been getting considerable support from the local pop music community. In fact, a host of area rockers will perform at an April 29 benefit show at the Music Machine, with proceeds going to the Jackson campaign. Organized by X’s Exene Cervenka, the concert will feature performances by Jackson Browne, Phil Alvin, guitarist Tony Gilkyson (with his sister Eliza), the Love Supreme (a new band led by Phast Phreddie, with DJ Bonebrake on vibes), Texicala Jones and Cervenka.

Why is Jackson winning support?

“You get the feeling that he’s one of us--that he represents disenfranchised people,” said Cervenka, who will host a second benefit May 13 at the Palace with Thelonious Monster and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “I really think he’s a smart guy. He’s taken really strong stands against drugs and crime, plus I like his views on Central America and the Middle East. We’ve seen all the political commentators trying to discredit him on the Sunday talk shows, saying the only people who support him are Peugeot proletariats. But that only makes you want to work harder for him.”