On Saturday May 30th, a unique gathering of musicians will perform in Ewing New Jersey for a once-in-a-lifetime All-Star Tribute to Paul McCartney as part of the ongoing non-profit series, Candlelight Concerts for Epilepsy Awareness.
One of the true pioneers and icons of popular music, the work of Paul McCartney spans decades and generations and has touched countless lives and has had an immeasurable impact. On May 30th, his music will be performed to help raise awareness for epilepsy, something that 1 in 26 people will develop in their lifetime.
The lineup for this night includes a collection of accomplished and varied singers.
Internationally touring and recording artist Dana Fuchs starred in the Julie Taymor film Across The Universe and in the off-Broadway tribute to Janis Joplin, Love Janis. Her powerful and distinct voice was referred to as “sultry and astonishingly boundless” by The Village Voice.
Musician and producer Mark Hudson of The Hudson Brothers has produced, performed and co-written with everyone from Ringo Starr to Paul McCartney to Ozzy Osbourne to Cher to Harry Nillson to Aerosmith and beyond. Mark is a frequent performer and headliner at Beatles conventions worldwide.
Grammy winning Corey Glover of Living Colour is a show-stopping regular of the series having performed duets with Darlene Love, Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Danielia Cotton and Dawn Robinson of En Vogue at previous concerts. Corey has a family connection with the cause and has been a staunch and valued advocate for epilepsy awareness.
New Jersey’s Pat DiNizio of The Smithereens is not only known as an accomplished singer-songwriter with decades of hit records to his credit but is unabashedly a huge fan of The Beatles, often performing their songs in his shows.
Prolific singer-songwriter, radio-host and author Wesley Stace (formerly John Wesley Harding) has performed and recorded with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Rosanne Cash, Peter Buck of REM and The Decemberists. Philadelphia’s Ginger Coyle has carved out a solid following along the east coast and beyond with her unique and soulful voice and engaging performances. Val Emmich, singer-songwriter and performer, has an extensive career of major label and independent record releases as well as many featured acting roles on shows like 30 Rock and Ugly Betty.
Doug Wimbish of Living Colour will be serving as musical director and has assembled an all-star house band featuring Paul Pesco of Hall & Oates, Joan Baez and Madonna acclaim. The house band also features Calvin Weston on drums, David Dzubinski on piano and Imani Roach and Allison Polans singing background vocals.
The Candlelight Concerts for Epilepsy Awareness series started in 2012 with the hopes of spreading basic information about epilepsy to a new audiences using the power of music. It is estimated that 50,000 people die each year from seizure related causes – prolonged seizures, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), and epilepsy related causes (i.e. accidental drowning). The series is held at Trinity UMC at 1985 Pennington Road in Ewing, NJ, an intimate, 300 seat church with excellent sound and a family friendly setting. It’s located directly across from The College of New Jersey.
Additionally, there will be a guest speaker. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Tony Coelho will be sharing some brief personal comments about the ADA and his life with epilepsy. Tony is a former congressmen (1979-1991), Presidential cabinet member, member of the Executive Board of the Epilepsy Foundation and primary sponsor of the ADA.
Seating is general admission. Doors are at 7pm with the lobby opening at 6pm. Tickets are available at www.CandlelightConcert.org for $40 in advance and $50 at the door. The Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey will also be on hand to present some information about epilepsy, to accept donations, provide materials and to answer questions.
