When I heard about the tragic murder of 45-year-old Central Florida musician Ralph J. Ameduri, Jr., I was stunned. I wasn't personally acquainted with Ameduri, but nearly four years ago, he had a hand in creating one of my fondest memories when The Legendary JC's performed at my wedding reception.
I shook my money maker to his funky bass grooves on that evening in the fall of 2007, his contributions to the band's tight rhythms paired with Eugene's effervescent showmanship transforming an already fun reception into a full-on funkified throwdown that got everyone dancing — and I do mean everyone, including my mom (who'd insisted beforehand she wouldn't dance for fear of throwing out her back ), and my dad (who busted moves like he was back in the blues clubs he used to frequent in the 1950s and early '60s, and swayed cheek-to-cheek with my stepmom during a soulfully slow ballad). So even though I didn't really know Ameduri, he unwittingly brought joy to my life, to the lives of my family and friends, and likely to people at shows all across the state and at scattered locales in the Southeast .
Winter Haven Police are currently investigating the attempted robbery and shooting that killed Ameduri early Saturday morning outside Jessie's Bar in Winter Haven, where he was filling in on bass for high-octane rock outfit Thomas Wynn & The Believers.
According to police reports, Ameduri and several other people were standing outside the bar during setbreak, and were accosted by a man with a gun who demanded money. Detectives are still working to confirm exactly what happened, but witnesses have told police the suspect was pointing a gun at someone who tried to push the gun away before it went off. The shot that was fired struck Ameduri in the head, and he was rushed to Winter Haven Hospital and then flown to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where he died from the gunshot wound, police said.
Police are offering a $2,500 reward for information that could lead to the suspect's arrest (see the sketch at left). Anyone with info can call 1-800-226-TIPS, and remain anonymous.
To raise awareness of the tragedy and increase chances that the culprit will be caught, Ameduri's New Lows bandmate Matt Gersting and several other members of the Orlando music community have taken it a step further by trying to raise the reward amount. Individuals can donate through Facebook, or through PayPal to the OrlandoMusicNews.com blog.
The service for Ameduri will be held 5-8 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 15, at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home (90 Weathersfield Ave., Altamonte Springs, 407-869-6065). The mass and celebration of his life will begin at 11 a.m. Fri., Sept.16, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church (861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs).
This article appears in Sep 8-14, 2011.