CANDLELIGHT PRESENTS LAURYN HILL, ERYKAH BADU AND THE BEST OF NEO SOUL FEATURING NICOLE CHAMBERS AND SPOKENBYT
BY BRENESSA ROACH | SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
On September 7th, 2024, Candlelight Concerts hosted their first Neo Soul event in Toronto, featuring two BIPOC artists and produced by Sherisse Bailey-Howard, a Black woman who curated the performances and setlist with the artists. The concert paid tribute to Neo Soul legends like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, with performances by Nicole Chambers, backed by her band Daniel Espina (guitarist), Isaac Teague (bassist) and Rae (pianist), and SpokenbyT, accompanied by her pianist Mamic. SpokenbyT became the first poet to perform at a Candlelight Concert and the first poet to be featured on Behind The Beat.
Candlelight Concerts, created by Fever, are a series of live music performances designed to make classical music more accessible. Initially focused on classical works by composers like Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin, the concerts now feature a wide range of genres and tributes to modern artists such as Queen, ABBA, and Ed Sheeran. Held in iconic venues lit by thousands of candles, the experience often includes ballet dancers, aerial performers, and other genres like jazz and opera. These concerts are hosted in over 150 cities worldwide, offering a unique, multi-sensory experience to millions of attendees.
The show began at 6:30 PM, with Nicole Chambers delivering soulful renditions of classics like Lauryn Hill’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – (I Love You Baby)” and Childish Gambino’s “Redbone.” She also performed her own song, “Timeless.” Nicole’s performance was captivating, engaging both the audience and her band with incredible energy. Her vocals were stunning, showcasing impressive range and control that gave the audience goosebumps. Her band members—Daniel, Isaac, and Rae—shared great chemistry, elevating Nicole’s set with their dynamic performance.
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Following Nicole, SpokenbyT took the stage to share her heartfelt poetry, marking the first poetry performance at a Candlelight concert. Her emotional delivery made each poem feel personal and deeply meaningful. Accompanied by pianist Mamic, the poetry performance was enhanced by the delicate musical arrangement, adding a layer of beauty to the overall experience.
This Candlelight Concert was a truly special event, celebrating Black history and music through the incredible talents of BIPOC artists. For Behind The Beat, it was an honour to capture this moment, as the event aligned perfectly with our mission to highlight BIPOC voices. We hope Candlelight Concerts continue to showcase BIPOC talent and produce more Neo Soul events to spotlight the amazing artists in Toronto.
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More photos from the concert:
