‘We want to bring hope’: Award-winning country star uses music to heal those in need in Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — With each melody, and rhythmic harmony, musician Steven Cade used his own gifts to heal those with heavy hearts at the Salvation Army.

“My family firsthand knows what it is like to not be able to pay rent and we just feel like we want to be able to help people,” Cade said. “We are now in a position to give, and we want to bring hope and inspiration through music.”

The crowd was clapping and moving along to the music, moved by songs of stories describing love, homelessness, and loneliness.

“The music makes you feel better. It makes you feel like you’re not the only one,” said concert attendee Shirley Marzett. “We all have money issues, living issues, even food, so it’s expressing all of that and that’s what I loved about it.”

Cade, who is based in Nashville, never played in Bakersfield before but his music spoke to a generation that understands country music’s expressive power.

“He talked about love a lot, and God’s love and that’s the most special love of all,” said concert attendee Peggy Helms.

Cade has donated nearly 200 guitars nationwide, and the Salvation Army now has one of them.
Each approach to healing and helping those in need is different but music brought hope in a room where some might have been hopeless.

“There are better days coming. You just have to be patient and willing to wait for it or willing to help yourself reach for that goal,” said Marzett.

To watch Cade perform before he leaves town, you can catch him at Wiki’s Wine Dive and Grill July 23 at 7:30pm.

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