The Coronavirus has changed our world in an unimaginable way. While I have no doubt that many professions have been affected by this crisis I am here today to speak on its effect on the music industry with this story about one of it’s most treasured clubs.
Since 1967 the Candlelight Lounge (now named Candle Light Events) has been a cultural attraction in Trenton, NJ as well as for jazz musicians all over the world. Live music was provided by Jimmy McGriff, Charles Earland, and Eddie Green who were then the “regular house musicians ” back in the ’60s through the ’90s. These great musicians set the stage for the culture that has continued. After Grover Washington died, Candle Light Lounge was blessed with Sid Simmons, who played with Grover on Mr. Magic, became our new house pianist along with Lee Smith on bass, and Craig McIver on drums.
Countless great musicians such as Trenton native pianist Orrin Evans, Mike Boone, Byron Landham, Tia Fuller, Tim Warfield, Richie Cole, and so many others have blessed the legendary bandstand, providing unforgettable afternoons of world-class music and place for up and coming musicians such as myself (once upon a time) to sit in and hone their craft. Valerie and E.C. Bradley took over in 2006 and have turned it into THE place to be on Saturdays in Trenton as well as jazz fans from all over who come to hear great music and enjoy some of the most incredible homestyle cooking coupled with great drinks. Now called “Candle Light Events“, the weekly Saturday matinee has been attended by people and musicians from all over the world. The COVID 19 pandemic has closed the venue putting the business in peril of closing down forever unless they can maintain the cost of keeping the building available for future live jazz events.
I know these are tough times for many, but every small amount of contributions will go a long way in preserving this legendary venue for future generations of musicians and fans, and I sincerely hope everyone will consider helping out. I moved to Philadelphia in 2007 before I made the move to New York in 2009 and this is one of the places where I learned to play jazz, and it is the first venue I played as a bandleader which gave me the encouragement to keep pushing forward. Since then I’ve played there many times and it always feels like I’m playing for family. The crowd there is full of regulars that have increased in number over the years to where it’s standing room only sometimes. That’s how much the fans love the music and support this venue! I hope we all can do our part in saving this special venue that is dear to musicians and jazz fans alike. I can go on and on about the many ways this venue is dear to myself and many musicians, but I will end with this quote from Trenton’s own, the great Orrin Evans…
‘They say “Trenton Makes The World Takes.” Well, the candlelight has done nothing BUT give back to the community. The history, the vibe, the food, the music, the LOVE IS IN THE AIR. The Candlelight is one thing the world can never take…it is a place I feel blessed to call one of my musical homes.’
To donate, please visit the Candlelight Events fundraiser page and please help by spreading the word. Many blessings to Bradley and Valerie and the whole Candlelight family, to all my fellow musicians in all parts of the industry struggling during these times, and to everyone… please be safe!
Musically yours,
Darryl
Photographs of EC Bradley and Darryl Yokley by Stephen Russell Shilling
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