A benefit concert for the family of Candice “Candi” McLaughlin, the woman found dead in Deckers Creek in March, will be held this Friday at 123 Pleasant St.
The Return to Neverland benefit show will celebrate the life of McLaughlin, aka “Captain Booyah,” and serve as an opportunity for family and friends to gather and reminisce.
“My mom had an ability to make friends anywhere, at any time,” said Malakyte Lumina Guentert, McLaughlin’s daughter. “After having the very small, quiet viewing, I had to find a place where many of her family and friends could find some closure, rather than a few.”
McLaughlin was considered family at 123 Pleasant St. music venue, having worked there and being a frequent concert patron.
Guentert said the event was not originally supposed to be a benefit, but a time for those who knew her to dance and cry together as they remember her.
She said, “123 is the only place that made sense.”
The event will feature some of McLaughlin’s favorite local musicians such as Wax Brain, Dunkard & Wheeling, Spike Yee, DJ Proper, DJ Kitana, and Ol’ Boy Entertainment.
“I’ve known Candice for some years now,” said Josh Mei, aka Spike Yee. The local artist said he first met McLaughlin when she was a student of his mother’s in WVU’s McNair Scholars program and then saw her again years later at shows.
“She was always a prominent figure in the audience, and was a huge supporter of all the local music that was going on. Always in the front row anytime I was performing — and so enthusiastic about it, might I add,” Mei said.
“I thought it was only appropriate that I participate in this event in order to honor her and the energy she always provided for us all. We’re forever thankful to have someone as bright as she was in our close-knit music community.”
The show will start at 8 p.m. with a pre-show gathering to look at photos and videos and hear stories of how Candi touched people’s lives. According to 123 Pleasant St., the $10 admission will benefit McLaughlin’s family, which includes three children.
“We have a lot of amazing businesses and bands pulling together for this event — people from all corners,” Guentert said. “Goes to show that we have a very supportive and loving community around this town.
“Also goes to show my mom’s ability to leave an impression on so many lives,” she said. “She’s incredibly missed, every day, by hundreds of us.”
Representatives from the Morgantown Police Department, who led the investigation of McLaughlin’s mysterious death, said they have not received the autopsy report from the state medical examiner, which can take six or more months to receive. Until then, the cause of McLaughlin’s death remains uncertain.
TWEET @DominionPostWV
