Sacramento Musicians and Fans Pack Wildwood Kitchen & Bar for Clemón Charles Benefit After Stroke, Raising Auction Money for His Rehabilitation
SACRAMENTO, CA — Friends, fans and fellow musicians filled a Sacramento patio Thursday night for a benefit concert helping local musician Clemón Charles as he recovers from a debilitating stroke.
The fundraiser was held at Wildwood Kitchen & Bar and grew from a small idea into a broader community effort, with donated auction items, volunteer time and other support added along the way.
A city fundraiser built around music and memory
Organizers said the money collected from live and silent auctions will go toward Charles’ rehabilitation expenses. Supporters described the event as a chance to show how deeply the Sacramento music community values him.
“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 has performed at local venues and supported nonprofits and charities, making him a familiar figure to many in the city’s live-music scene.
Friends say Charles is responding to music as he recovers
Those who know him said his progress has been slow but encouraging. Theresa Urquhart Stewart said Charles continues to respond to music and can still work through songs in small ways with help from others.
“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,” Stewart said.
Ainslee Price said Charles once traveled to Monterey to perform at her wedding, a memory that made Thursday’s turnout feel especially personal for many in attendance.
City leaders also recognized Charles this week
Kitty O’Neill, a friend and fellow musician, said the community came together because Charles has long shown up for others. “We as a community and as his friends decided we were going to get together and help raise money for his rehabilitation,” she said.
O’Neill added that the Sacramento City Council recognized Charles this week for his contributions to the city. Organizers said every dollar from Thursday night’s auctions will go toward helping with his recovery costs.
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