If you haven't had an opportunity to experience Candlelight Concerts, we enthusiastically endorse you look into an event soon! Surely, you've at least heard of them by now, as music lovers have been targeted by luring & picturesque ads, across social media platforms. It's hard to resist a cordial invitation to escape into a musically romantic atmosphere, perfectly paired with a landscape of flickering candles. These concerts are thee answer, whether you're looking for a family excursion, a destination date night, or a fresh adventure with friends.

Produced by FEVER, these performances take place globally and offer an eclectic menu of genres, from classical, to rock, to legendary film soundtracks. Initially our ears perked up at the announcement of a Best of Brit Pop show, boasting of a set list including some of our most loved songs. We spoke with a Londoner who recently attended this 90s dedication show in the UK, and they declared that it was truly lovely!  Fingers crossed we'll have an L.A. version of that lineup soon!

While we wait, we were invited to The Biltmore (a historical hotel & venue in downtown Los Angeles) for a tribute to Nirvana, everyone's go-to grunge gods. It was, no doubt, going to be interesting to witness how Orchid Quartet interpreted Nirvana's music, replacing the traditional rock instruments with violins, a cello, and a viola. We therefore setout enthused and curious! The ticket instructions advised us to arrive 45 minutes - 1 hour early, as late entry is never permitted under any circumstances. This turned out to be a great suggestion, since traffic and parking in DTLA can be difficult and unpredictable. 

Commercials claim that Candlelight Concerts is quite selective about their locations, ensuring an immersive journey for all visitors. They did not disappoint, as the venue lobby was bustling, beautiful, and impressive! The energetic crew was friendly and knowledgeable, making for streamlined entry and accommodations. The queue happenings included a p.o.s. bar, a musician's merch/donation booth, as well as an option to purchase the unbelievably realistic looking faux candles that decorated the room. Attendees made the most of the pre-show environment, taking photos against the illuminated background while the listening to a curated playlist of mid - late 90s radio & Mtv favs. Announcements made certain that all audience members understood that photo and video was not allowed during the performance, aside from the last song (or few songs) when the musicians gave us the go-ahead. This rule surely enhanced the experience, since views were unobstructed, enabling all to be present in the moment.

The set was emotionally delightful and technically envigorating, spanning the band's journey from start to finish (hits and deep cuts alike). The cover translations ranged from literal, to cinematic, to experimental, keeping us locked in throughout. An unexpected feature was the quartet members taking turns providing insight on Nirvana songs, albums, and bandmembers. They really leaned into the group's timeless fandom, allowing us to re-live the groundbreaking music history, driven by Nirvana's unparalleled career. The quartet leader also shared about their own impressive accomplishments in the music world, and their passion for performing for 200+ Candlelight Concerts to date.

The event seemed favorably received by the crowd, who was surprisingly well behaved for rock fans (aside from a few untimely shouts and whistles, which in all fairness should be expected when banging out tunes that have defined people's lives). So, go see what FEVER's Candlelight Concerts has to offer you and let us know what you think!