Tampa Bay community radio station WMNF 88.5 FM lost Kevin Frye on December 25, and friends of the Sunday Simcha co-host and trumpet player have organized a benefit and jazz jam in his honor. Donations from the event — set for 8 p.m. EST on December 28 at Springs Theatre in Sulphur Springs — will go towards the family Frye leaves behind.
"He was a teacher who touched countless lives in his career, a dedicated man of faith, and wonderful friend to so many," John Stephan, who was a friend and colleague of Frye's, told CL. "He was a very hard worker and supported his family very well. That being said, Kevin had been ill for over six months, and funerals and other expenses that come for the family afterward can become overwhelming. This fund is designed to help Christina with any expenses incurred during this time and in the immediate future."
According to WMNF's website, Frye, who was 48, played with Florida Orchestra from 1988-1991 and was an active as a session player who performed with The O'Jays, Whitney Houston, Paquito D'Rivera, Bobby Rydell and Skitch Henderson amongst others.
"Kevin was a great guy, fantastic musician," added WMNF program director Randy Wind. "A wonderful member of the WMNF family."
More information on the benefit is available via local.cltampa.com. A GoFundMe has also been set up — donate here.
This article appears in Dec 22-29, 2016.