John Kavanagh, 1960 - 2009

Who around here wasn’t touched by his music? The first time I saw him play was at the CD release concert for Jack McDonald’s “Domestic Acoustic”. John Kavanagh was a band leader at the Flower Cart’s  jam dance events. On the ukulele he played jazz, Mozart and everything in between. Being a popular session musician, he played bass for John Tetrault and viola da gamba for Hope Gillis. On  countless CD’s he can be heard playing guitar, ukulele and other instruments. He recently toured the New England States with an international ukulele caravan and was part of Heather Kelday’s Mud Creek Symphonic. Together with his son Andy he performed in the Deep Roots Jam Dance and other prominent ensembles. With his life partner Mary he founded the hugely successful Valley Ukulele Group, an ensemble of ukulele players and students. This is barely the tip of the iceberg. Google for “Kavanagh Ukulele”.

On Saturday, June 13, in the early afternoon, friends of John Kavanagh will gather at the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts for a memorial concert. Many valley artists will perform. We will hear music composed in celebration of John’s life and music which we associate with John’s memory. Check the event listings for details or contact Maurice Gave.