In honor of one of the Greater Buffalo/Niagara’s beloved jazz contributors in the last few decades, the Northwest Jazz Festival in Historic Lewiston, NY will honor jazz guitarist Ralph Fava. Fava, founder of the Lockport Music Center and first-call guitarist for many celebrity performers who performed in the area, died in October of 2018 after battling brain cancer.
Fava performed with such noted celebrities as Tommy Tedesco, Bobby Vinton, Debbie Reynolds, and Connie Francis. Additionally, throughout his career, he could be found performing in various venues in the region. He endeared many students who came through the Lockport Music Center with his zest for life and love for music and the jazz guitar.
“Ralph was a great contributor to the jazz scene in our area and was an encourager to all of us to keep jazz music alive. It was an honor to get to know Ralph and this is an honorable way for the festival to show the community how much he was admired by many,” states Tony Zambito, Music Director for the festival.
The two-day festival in August 2019 will dedicate the performance stage area at the DiCamillo Courtyard in his name. The Ralph Fava DiCamillo Courtyard Stage will feature primarily guitar duos paying homage to the art of the jazz guitar and Ralph Fava. Slated to perform for the festival at the Ralph Fava DiCamillo Courtyard Stage are a cadre of some of the best jazz guitarists in the area:
Dave Scott
Matt Michaud
Adam Bronstein
Drew Azzinaro
Jared Tinkham
Rick Strauss
Stu Weissman
Other jazz guitarists set to appear at the festival on Friday, August 23rd and August 24th at nearby adjacent stages include, Walt Sopicki, Vincent Mastrantonio, Chuck Buffamonte, and Mel Henderson.
Captured at the 2016 Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston by bassist Bud Fadale is Fava’s performance of the classic jazz song, All Blues:
The 17th Northwest Jazz Festival in Historic Lewiston, NY will take place on Friday, August 23rd and Saturday, August 24th. For more information, please visit the festival’s website at www.lewistonjazz.com.
A great guy with a great sense of humor. He was serious about his music and jazz. It was the thread that ran through his life.
Thanks for sharing – a great guy who is missed!
What can I say about Ralph that hasn’t been said. He was one of the greatest guitar players in the area. But more important, he was a great guy. Always an inspiration to everyone. My breakfast buddy and best Gumba ‘. We all miss you my brother.
Thanks for sharing, Paul. He was a great Gumba!
He was the most amazing and dedicated guitar player and business man. He created a beautiful place where students of all ages could learn and flourish with musical talent. He gave back to his community and helped everyone who was in need. He was always there for friends, family and strangers. He was respected and loved by all. He was a loving family man and we miss him more than any words could ever express. I have taken over The Lockport Music Center and will work to honor him and his legacy through Music for as long as I live. We miss you every minute of everyday, my precious father.
Yeh your dad was one of s kind, glad to see your caring on his Legacy through his music store !