Friends of Dick Griffo

Dick Griffo Memorial Service To Be Held at Trinity Church

Dick Griffo family members and the wonderful people who loved Dick dearly at Trinity have planned a Memorial Service to held in his memory.  The service will be held:

Date: SUNDAY, June 24th

Time: 7:00pm

Trinity Church is located at:

371 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202

This time is being set aside to pay tribute and honor to one of the legends of our music community.  Please keep Dick's family members in your prayers during this time of healing.

More details may be forthcoming in the near future regarding the memorial service.

Carried to Heaven Today

It is with a very sad and heavy heart that we've learned that our dear friend, Dick Griffo, has passed away early this morning after giving a courageous fight against the terrible disease of pancreatic cancer.  He will be missed by all but his spirit will live on in each of us forever. 

For all those who supported the Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit recently, know that the outpouring of love carries him towards our heavenly Father and that he cherished every blessing and well wishes he received.  May God receive him warmly and may the heavens hear the joyous music of Dick Griffo.

What A Day! Thanking All The Volunteers, Donors, and Musicians!

There are no shortages of words that can describe the Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit held yesterday at the Iris - Maple Entertainment Complex.  Heartwarming, encouraging, community, love ,music, support, caring, friendship, and more.  The outpouring of love and community support around one of our dearest friends was a sight to behold and to experience.  We believe approximately over 350 to 400 people came and went throughout the day to give and to participate in blessing Dick Griffo as well as to  show of support in his battle against cancer.  We raised a significant amount of funds that will go towards Dick Griffo's need to support medical expenses for cancer treatments to beat back this terrible disease. 

The committee that was formed by Karen Ragusa on short notice and the many people who helped them yesterday gave of themselves tirelessly.  Cindy Boughton, Neil Boughton, Steve Wingrove, Wendy Lange, Gary DiLaura, Frank Richiazzi, Mike SantaMaria, Darcie Crocoll, and many more such as the parents of Dick's students and students themselves.  Kenny Kuruziak stepped up and became our 50/50 raffle ticket seller.  Many people also donated baskets even the day of the event.  The winners should be receiving phone calls soon if you were not present.

Many thanks to Vinny Lesh and the staff yesterday at Iris - Maple Entertainment Complex for their tremendous support with sound, tables, equipment, and more - plus the Chef and staff delivering food and drinks throughout the day.

The many musicians who performed in show of support and to offer their talents was a testimony to the influence and the love for Dick Griffo.  Colleen Williams, Bobby Jones, Paul Fudale, Jerry Livingston, Ralph Fava, Buddy Fudale, Krista Seddon, Tom Kasparek, Rick Strauss, Bernard Kunz, Rishon Odel Northington, David Hulett, Walt Kemp III, Andrew Peruzzini, Bill Basil, Karen Ragusa, Jim Matteliano, Kathleen Irish, Jim Tudini, Bobby Militello, Mike Moser,Ben Bia, the whole Jim Tudini Big Band, the whole Dick Griffo Jazz Workshop, Wayne Moose, Bill Bates, Darryl Washington, Jim Beishline, Janice Mitchell, and many more.  They filled both rooms of the complex with non-stop jazz music all day in honor of Dick Griffo! 

We thank the many people who came throughout the day to give of their dollars, time, love, and support.  You all made this a day of blessing our dearest friend and giving him the best medicine he needs at this time - love. 

On behalf of the Friends of Dick Griffo, we all express our sincerest thanks and appreciation!

Friends of Dick Griffo

The Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit Happens Today! Show Your Brotherly and Sisterly Support!

Today is the day of the Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit at Iris - Maple Entertainment Complex with doors opening at 1:00pm.  All printed tickets are sold but entrance is $25 at the door.  A day of showing support and love to a friend to us all while enjoying the celebratory music of jazz non-stop. Including Chinese auction of donated gift baskets, premium gift auctions, and 50/50 split raffles taking place every 90 minutes.

This event is coming together due to the hard work and passion of people volunteering their time to show their love for our friend Dick Griffo.  This benefit today would not happen without the passionate involvement of Cindy and Neil Broughton, Steve Wingrove, Darcie Crocoll, Wendy Lange, Mike SantaMaria, Gary DiLaura, and Karen Ragusa.  Countless others have chipped in to help also.  A special thank you to Krista Seddon and the folks at Trinity Church for their selling of tickets and generous donations.  Also, a special thanks to Steve Wingrove of Alder Creek Music who has not only sold many tickets but is giving generously of his time and equipment.  And, we must note Wendy Lange receipt of a pledge by the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans organization to provide matching donations today.  A great shining example of a community coming together.

Doors open at 1:00pm with the first performance beginning at 1:30pm with the Dick Griffo Jazz Workshop Band.  Iris is located at 4224 Maple Road in Amherst on the corner of Maple Road and Sweet Home Road. The all day event will feature some of the best in jazz throughout the day and closes with a jazz jam at 9:00pm.  Come for the day or come for part of the day!

We ask you to join us today in making this an event that no other metro area can do like we can - a city of brotherly and sisterly love unmatched anywhere.  Unmatched in rallying around a dear friend to us all.

Friends of Dick Griffo

What a Lineup for Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit Tomorrow! Musicians and Schedule.

Tomorrow, May 6th, beginning at 1:00pm, the doors open to the all day event to support our friend - Dick Griffo.  What a day it will be and what a lineup of musicians coming to the aid of their dear friend with the giving of their talent, time, and energy.  No matter the time of the day - great music:

1:30pm The Dick Griffo Jazz Workshop Band                               Forum Stage

2:15pm Collen Williams with Bobby Jones and Friends            Iris Stage

3:00pm Ralph Fava Quartet                                                                   Forum Stage

3:45pm Krista Seddon and Friends                                                    Iris Stage

4:30pm Gruvology                                                                                    Forum Stage

5:15pm Trio Payazzo                                                                                Iris Stage

6:00pm My Cousin Tone'                                                                       Forum Stage

6:45pm Bill Bates Trio                                                                             Iris Stage

7:30pm Jim Tudini Big Band                                                                Forum Stage

8:15pm Jim Beishline with Janice Mitchell                                    Iris Stage

9:00pm Jazz Jam Hosted by Mike Caputi                                      Forum Stage

It is going to be a day of continuous music filling the air as we come together as a community in support, love, and spirit.  Throughout the day, there will many fabulous gift baskets donated by individuals and local businesses to view for Chinese auction, 50/50 split raffles taking place every 90 minutes, and premium auction items. 

Make plans to come and show your support. Your hand will be stamped upon entrance so you can can come and go if needed and of course - stay all day as well!  The wonderful staff of Iris Restaurant will be on hand to take orders for their great food and drink orders.

This event is being held at the Iris Restaurant - Maple Entertainment Complex on 4224 Maple Road in Amherst, NY - on the corner of Maple Road and Sweet Home Road.  Entrance is $25 at the door tomorrow beginning at 1:00pm with music kicking off at 1:30pm.  Or call the Maple Entertainment Complex Box Office at 716-831-3271 or visit Ticket Web to pruchase tickets $20 presale. 

Join us tomorrow in support of our friend - Dick Griffo.

Friends of Dick Griffo

Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit This Sunday to Feature Two Stages of Live Jazz Performances!

The response continues to be overwhelmingly supportive in coming to the aid of a dear friend to us all in his battle against cancer.  All printed tickets have been sold for this event on May 6th but are still available pre-sale for $20 on Ticket Web (click on buy tickets link on this site) and by phone at the Maple Entertainment Complex box office (716-831-3271).   On the day of the event, entry will be $25.  It will be a day of community as we rally together in support of Dick Griffo.

We have put together an exciting line up of musicians who will be donating their time such as Colleen Williams, Bobby Jones, Buddy Fudale, Ralph Fava, Bill Bates, Bernard Kunz, Walter Kemp, Karen Ragusa, Bill Basil, Krista Seddon, Jim Tudini, Jim Beishline, Janice Mitchell, Rick Strauss, and many more.  We will kick-off the music with none other than the Dick Griffo Jazz Workshop Band beginning at 1:30pm.  Doors open at 1:00pm.  

We will be alternating music on each stage at approximately 45 minute intervals.  Here is the line up by stage at this time: 

The Forum Stage:                                                    The Iris Stage:

Dick Griffo Jazz Workshop Band                                        Colleen Williams and Bobby Jones

Ralph Fava Quartet                                                                    Krista Seddon and Friends

Gruvology                                                                                       Trio Payazzo

My Cousin Tone'                                                                           Bill Bates Trio

Jim Tudini Band                                                                           Jim Beishline and Janice Mitchell

Jazz Jam hosted by Mike Caputi

It will be a great day of music and community.  Don't forget, there will many gift baskets available for silent auction, surprise live auctions, and 50/50 raffles.  The Iris Restaurant also has a delicious selection of food and drinks to order to keep you going for day. 

We ask all to join us on this special day of friends rallying together around another friend.  It's what makes our music and metro area community special and like none other. 

(For those unable to attend and wishing to donate, please click on the Give Forward link on this site and you will be able to give online.)

Stay tuned for more information...Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit

Tentative Music LineUp and Schedule for May 6th

First, a big thank you to the many musicians who want to show their love and support for Dick Griffo on May 6th at the Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit to be held at the Maple Entertainment Complex - Iris/Forum.  The event will be a great day of friends and the community coming together on a behalf of a dear friend we all love.  Here is what the tentative schedule looks like:

1:30pm The Dick Griffo's Jazz Workshop Band

2:15pm Krista Seddon and Friends

3:00pm Colleen Williams and Bobby jones with Friends

3:45pm Bill Bates Trio

4:30pm Gruvology

5:15pm Trio Payazzo

6:00pm My Cousin Tone'

6:45pm Ralph Fava Quartet

7:30pm Jim Beishline and Janice Mitchell

8:15pm Jim Tudini Band

9:00pm Jazz Jam hosted by Mike Caputi 

This schedule is tentative with minor changes possible.  Stay tuned for more soon.  However, we are so appreciative of the musicians coming forward to give of their talents and time.  It is going to be an exciting day for a good cause and a dear friend!  Great music, baskets for auction, and 50/50 raffles.  Plus the friendly staff of Iris will be available to take your order for the wonderful food and drinks they offer. 

Please go to Ticket Web, Alder Creek Music Store, or the Maple Entertainment Complex box office to get your tickets pre-sale for $20.  Or show up on May 6th at the door and your contribution of $25 will go a long way. 

Friends of Dick Griffo

 

May 6th Music Line Up Taking Shape

The music line up for the Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit to be held May 6th at Iris is starting to take shape.  Here is only a partial list thus far:

 

Jim Beishline and Janice Mitchell

Colleen Williams and Bobby Jones

My Cousin Tone'

Gruvology

Trio Payazzo

Krista Seddon and Friends

Ralph Fava Quartet

Bill Bates and Friends

Jim Tudini Band

Kicking of the benefit will be Dick Griffo's Jazz Workshop Band.  The long running jazz workshop for students and adults has been one of Dick Griffo's major contributions to the community over the years. 

Stay tuned for more announcements regarding schedule and musicians.  Be sure to plan for the day of May 6th devoted to Dick Griffo and helping him in his fight against cancer. 

Alder Creek Music Store Added as Basket Drop Off Location

Gift Basket From MVB (Photo credit: kaiscapes)

For those interested in donating gift baskets to be auctioned at the May 6th Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit, we now have a third drop off point:

Alder Creek Music

2880 Niagara Falls Blvd

Wheatfield, NY

716 693-5456

Hours:

M- Th 1-8:00pm 

Sat 9-12:00pm

We can use as many gift baskets as possible - the more gift basket donations from individuals and local businesses, the more we can help and support Dick Griffo.

Thank you for your support!!

Generosity On Display Last Night

Bobby Militello at Blue Note Club - June 13, 2011 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Last night, Tuesday Night Jazz hosted by Dan Hull at Iris proved to be a special night - all in honor of Dick Griffo.  Headlining were Phil DiRe' and Bobby Militello on saxophones backed by George Caldwell on piano, Sabu Adeyola on bass, and Dan Hull on drums. Fabulous music!

Through the generosity of David and Barb Balasiak, owners of Power Tech and who drove down from Canada, over $400 was raised in raffle tickets for two prizes donated by David and Barb.  In addition, close to $1,600 was raised in donations provided by friends and fans of Dick Griffo.  Special thank you to the group of Canadian musicians who came down to show their support.  And a big thank you to all who came out to show support.

Please remember to save the date of Sunday, May 6th for the Friends of Dick Griffo Benefit.  Buy tickets online at Ticket Web or call the Maple Entertainment Box Office at 716-831-3271.  Tickets are $20 and $25 at the door the day of the event. 

From the Friends of Dick Griffo