On Tuesday, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) hosted a heartfelt evening celebrating Candice Night and the induction of her band Blackmore’s Night—co-founded with legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Held at the LIMEHOF museum in Stony Brook, the event doubled as a release party for Night’s new solo album, Sea Glass, and included her first-ever live performance of selections from the record.
Ritchie Blackmore was unable to attend, but Night accepted the induction on behalf of them both. “I am so honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame,” she said. “I’ve lived on Long Island my whole life and am constantly inspired by the energy here and the beauty of our nature. The imagery is a constant focus in my songs.”
Born and raised in Hauppauge, Candice Night began her music journey while interning at WBAB in 1989. A chance meeting at a charity soccer game introduced her to Ritchie Blackmore, and the two eventually formed a creative and romantic partnership, founding Blackmore’s Night in 1997. They’ve since become active members of the Long Island community, especially in supporting animal-related causes.
Before the ceremony, I spoke with Night to talk about the new album and the meaning behind the songs she’d be performing. She explained that “Unsung Hero,” one of the standout tracks, was written in the middle of the night as a tribute to her mother, but she quickly realized it reflected her own story too. “It’s about the people who do everything for everyone else without ever asking for anything in return. It became a sort of anthem for women who recognize that strength in each other,” she said.
Night also touched on her family’s deep involvement in animal charities and how important it is for her to help smaller, local shelters. “They ask for so little but give so much,” she said. “We always try to raise funds and awareness wherever we perform.”
When asked about balancing parenthood with her music career, she admitted it’s a journey of learning on the job. “You only know me as mom, but I was never a mom before you,” she tells her kids. “We’re learning this together.” Her song “Promise Me,” which she performed during the event, is a love letter to her children and featured a duet with her daughter, adding an especially touching moment to the night.
Other songs performed included “Angel and Jezebel,” “Unsung Hero,” and “Dandelion Wine” which brought the entire room to its feet in a sing-along. It was an intimate, family-filled affair with friends dressed in pirate costumes, capturing the theatrical charm of Blackmore’s Night and the fantasy-rich world they’ve created over the years.
Candice recorded Sea Glass on Long Island, splitting time between her home studio and Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove. She praised the experience of working locally, saying it made the creative process more personal and relaxed. “It’s the most healthy relationship I’ve had with a producer. I walk in and feel like I’m home, and that’s when the creativity flows.”
Longtime friend and attorney Robert deBrauwere inducted her into the Hall of Fame and shared his personal connection to the band, having represented them for over 30 years. “Blackmore’s Night has thrilled audiences globally for nearly three decades,” he said. “Their music blends renaissance melodies, folk-rock, and timeless storytelling. This induction not only honors their artistry—it helps preserve Long Island’s cultural legacy.”
deBrauwere emphasized Candice’s efforts beyond music as well, including her founding of the Safe Quiet Harbor Committee to protect local wildlife and communities from disruptive duck hunting near their former home. “She’s always stood up for animals, nature, and doing the right thing,” he noted.
The night wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a celebration of roots, community, and artistic passion. As the music filled the hall and family gathered close, it was clear that Candice Night’s legacy on Long Island is as heartfelt as it is magical.
Comments are closed.