Trenton Music Experience (TME) will host Jazz Art at The Lobby Club, a community event honoring friend and supporter Larry Hilton, featuring paintings from his private collection in the restaurant’s gallery from Thursday, August 14 to Saturday August 16.
An opening reception from 5-9 pm Thursday August 14 will feature live jazz by Philadelphia musicians Lee Smith, Aaron Graves and Craig McIver, appetizer buffet and cash bar. VIP tickets are $100 and can be purchased on the TME website.
Proceeds benefit Trenton Music Experience, a local nonprofit amplifying the significant contributions Trentonians have made to the music scene from the American Revolution through today.
Karen Hilton, Larry’s sister, noted that he became involved with TME because he cared deeply about promoting Trenton’s music history and influence. “This is the kind of gathering Larry would want to attend,” she said. “And I am glad to work with TME to share Larry’s love of art and jazz with our community.”
Music was a huge part of Larry’s life. He played flute, clarinet and alto saxophone, with jazz as his favorite genre. He promoted many musicians, booked artists at the former Candle Light Lounge and was a major supporter of The Jazz Disciples. Larry was also a renowned patron of the arts with an extensive art collection, as well as a talented photographer who chronicled the music scene across decades.
Karen recalled their father, Lemuel J. Hilton, singing a song with the lyric “if I can help somebody as I pass long…then my living shall not be in vain.” The song, she said, reminds her of Larry, who always found ways to help others. “He gave to whomever, wherever and whenever he could,” she said. “He had a heart of gold and his life was a testament to that song.”
Jazz Art at The Lobby Club will feature works from Larry’s collection and from friends, by Mel Leipzig, Thomas Malloy, Freda Williams, and Khalilah Sabree, and special mentee artist Lee Johnson. The exhibit will be open to the public 5-9 pm Friday August 15 and Saturday August 16. Visitors are asked to share a voluntary donation at the door.
TME President Paul Zych appreciated Larry’s guidance and support over the past year. “Larry was not only a kind and generous friend – he was also a music influencer,” Zych said. “We are grateful for this opportunity to honor his legacy. And we invite the community to celebrate his life in art and music.”
TME partners with Mercer County Community College and The College of New Jersey, as well as other community and arts groups. Local musicians, artists, and community advocates make up the TME. Its Board of Trustees includes Paul Zych, Carey Hamilton, Jazz Coordinator for JazzOn2, WWFM 89.1 HD2, Danielle Miller-Winrow, founder of Sprout U School of the Arts, and Winifred Howard, former Jazz Program Manager for WWFM. Learn more at www.trentonmusicexperience.org