I programmed music for radio stations in the 1970s, but once you get past about 1978, my knowledge of popular music becomes a bit thin. That’s why I was surprised when the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation asked me to cover its annual fundraising event Friday night with a reviewer’s pass.

The featured acts were Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler, bands that reached peak popularity in the 1990s. It makes perfect sense that the foundation would book artists from that era. Many parents with children currently in school came of age during that time and remain loyal fans of that music.

My reviewer’s pass provided an excellent vantage point from the stands, offering a clear view of the stage and the performance. But the foundation’s annual fundraiser is about much more than the concert itself.

It is one of a handful of events each year in Fishers that brings together many of the city’s political, business and civic leaders. From my perch above the floor of the event center, I had a bird’s-eye view of the activity below — tables filled with guests, food and conversation before the show, a silent auction underway, and many of the community’s movers and shakers greeting one another.

As for the music, I will readily admit it is not from my era of expertise. But the packed house needed no introduction. The audience clearly loved every minute of both performances. While I may not be qualified to critique the set lists or guitar riffs, I can confidently report that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed what they heard — and that is review enough.

I also had the opportunity to visit with the couple seated next to me, learning about their family and their close-knit neighborhood. They, too, were clearly having a wonderful evening.

The concert, combined with the silent auction, raised significant funds for the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation, which supports teachers, classrooms and students in Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

That, in the end, is the true measure of success for Friday night’s event.