NEW YORK – Eric Clapton's Crossroads festival has become the mecca for riff worshipers, so it was appropriate that guitar deity Keith Richards made a surprise appearance to perform with Clapton.

The Rolling Stone received perhaps the most sustained standing ovation of the night as he joined his old pal toward the end of Crossroads, a two-night concert festival at Madison Square Garden that brought together a dazzling array of guitar masters, from John Mayer to Jeff Beck to legends like Buddy Guy, and of course, Clapton and Richards.

Richards — whose Stones announced another tour earlier this month — flashed his typical wry smile to the crowd before joining Clapton in playing the blues standard and Clapton favorite "Key to the Highway. "

"Now we're gonna rock it up," Richards said before launching into "Sweet Little Rock N' Roller."

Richards' appearance was only the beginning of Clapton's hour-plus-long set, which included hits like "Crossroads" and "Little Queen of Spades." It also featured other special guests, like Robbie Robertson, who sang the classic "I Shall Be Released." "I just want to say it's an honor to be here in honor of Crossroads and Eric Clapton," Robertson said.

Clapton joined Los Lobos and Robert Cray early on, and Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks played an acoustic set and brought out Gregg Allman. Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal paid tribute to the blues in their acoustic set.

Hager

Crossroads Guitar Festival, which benefits Clapton's Crossroads Centre for substance abuse in Antigua, has been held every three years since 2004; this Friday and Saturday was its first at Madison Square Garden. The show lasted nearly five hours, with each performer showcasing his particular brand of wizardry on the instrument.

George and Laura are grandparents

Former President George W. Bush has become a grandfather. One of his twin daughters, Jenna Bush Hager, gave birth to her first child, a daughter, on Saturday night in New York City. The former president announced the birth in a statement on Sunday. The baby's name is Margaret Laura "Mila" Hager. Jenna Bush Hager, who is married to Henry Hager, is a contributing correspondent for the "Today" show. The baby was named for her grandmothers. The former president said he and former First Lady Laura Bush met their "beautiful granddaughter today," adding, "Jenna and Mila are healthy. And our family is elated." This is a big month for the family. The George W. Bush Presidential Center will be dedicated April 25 on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Associated Press