Sacramento community rallies around musician Clemón Charles after stroke
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Friends, fans and fellow musicians packed a Sacramento patio Thursday night for a benefit concert supporting local musician Clemón Charles as he recovers from a debilitating stroke.
The event took place at Wildwood Kitchen & Bar.
Organizers said the fundraiser began as a small idea but grew as community members donated auction items, volunteered their time and offered other forms of support. Proceeds from live and silent auctions will help pay for Charles’ rehabilitation expenses.
“I really hope that he could just see how much Sacramento loves him, and we’re all here to support him,” said Ainslee Price, a friend of Charles.
Charles is known throughout Sacramento as a musician and vocalist who has performed at local venues and supported nonprofits and charities.
“Clemón is so beloved in Sacramento as a musician, as a vocalist, and cannot play or sing right now because of his debilitating stroke,” said Kitty O’Neill, a friend and fellow musician. “We as a community and as his friends decided we were going to get together and help raise money for his rehabilitation.”
For many of those attending, the effort was deeply personal.
Price said Charles traveled to Monterey to perform at her wedding in October.
“Clemón played at our wedding and came all the way to Monterey to be at our wedding and sing his beautiful songs that are about love, hope and all of the wonderful things,” Price said.
Friends said Charles is making slow but encouraging progress and continues to respond to music.
“If we sing with him, there are some lyrics that he can sing, and he can do the chords on a guitar while somebody else strums,” said Theresa Urquhart Stewart, a friend of Charles. “We’re looking forward to having him back to 100%, for sure.”
The Sacramento City Council also recognized Charles this week for his contributions to the city.
“The community loves this man,” O’Neill said. “He has shown up for the community, and the community has shown up for him.”
Organizers said all proceeds from Thursday night’s auctions will go toward Charles’ rehabilitation costs.
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