7 News Belize

Frankie Rhys Benefit Concert Now a Tribute
posted (February 19, 2010)

Last night we ran a story on the plight of one of Belize’s most gifted musicians, Frankie Rhys. It revealed for many of us a touching tale, about the undying commitment of a faithful wife, coupled with the love, respect and support of a cross section of local musicians and artists, who rallied to his side in his time of need. They planned on paying him a tribute at a benefit concert scheduled at the Bliss tonight. However, we regretfully report, that Frank Rhys, the man that had become a familiar figure in the local jazz music scene, and in whose honor the concert was being held, succumbed early this morning to his illness, and now, what was billed as a Benefit Concert in his honor, has now turned into a Tribute and Celebration of his life. Here’s more.

Jim McFadzean Reporting,
The 61 year old Rhys who was diagnosed back in 1986 with diabetes, was to be honored at the benefit gala, billed: ”An Evening with the Stars” a fundraising event to help pay for mounting medical bills.” According to Krem DJ, Tony Wright who heads the Association for Belizean Artists and the organizer of the benefit concert, Rhys’ passing now gives added meaning and appreciation for tonight’s event at the Bliss.

Tony Wright, Organizer
“Tonight what we do instead now is celebrate the life and times that Frankie did and what he left behind. We want the people to know about it and so we still have the concert going on and we are expecting the people will come out tonight because apart from that Diana still needs the assistance, she has a lot of bills and different things, and more bills will be adding up so we still doing the show. Nothing basically changes so tonight we celebrate the life and times that Frankie, the man and his music, the school teacher, the activist and all the different things that he has left behind with us.”

Rhys was a retired teacher and a contributing writer to the Amandala newspaper. He was one of only a few local jazz musicians and aficionados, having hosted the weekly 2 hour KREM music show: “Jazz on a Sunday Morning.” He is survived by his wife of 33 years Diana and three children. Funeral arrangements for Rhys are being planned for next Saturday in Dangriga.

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