Friends, family keep memory of drummer alive

Kevin Wright had many passions in his life. He loved his family. He loved the New England Patriots. And he loved rock and roll music and playing the drums. 

Check out the Kevin Wright Music Scholarship site.

Kevin, a Barrington native, tragically passed away at the age of 45 in June of 2012 from an apparent heart attack after playing a show with his band. In an effort to keep Kevin's spirit and memory alive, a group of his friends and family have started a scholarship that provides money for budding musicians to take lessons. 

There is a Kevin Wright Music Foundation fund-raiser on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Barrington Democratic Club to honor Kevin and raise money for the scholarship. This is the 4th annual event organized by Kevin's cousin, Chris Cunha, and friends Michelle Gempp, Scott Cioe, Rick Army, Katherine Army, Rick Doughty and Keith Flower.

"I wanted a way to remember my cousin in a positive way," said Mr. Cunha. "It didn’t start off to raise money at all. The idea was to get together with family and friends and to remember his life in a positive way. I approached Scott Cioe, who has been a lifelong friend of Kevin and mine since we were kids. I remember it took us a while to have the first celebration because it was just too emotionally difficult the first year. Scott and I decided that we would have a family and friends get-together and because Kevin was so passionate about music, we would provide music and food."

This year, the menu will be expanded to have multiple entrees with all of the “fixings.” There will also be raffles and entertainment by both The Black Cadillac Trio and Detroit Breakdown.

As usual, all money raised will go to people and programs related to music. The recipient could be a drummer like Kevin or anyone pursuing music in one form or another.

To date, the committee is proud to have donated to many worthy causes including individual musical scholarships as well as the music departments in Barrington and Hugh Cole School in Warren and even an after-school program at Diman Regional in Fall River to promote music and the arts.  

They continue to partner with Ray Mullin Music in Swansea, Kevin’s “go-to music store” with programs like Strings of Hope, led by guitar instructor Steve Young along with Nick Moreira and Jessica Frost. They provide free lessons along with instruments and instructional materials for kids in challenging situations.

Remembering Kevin Wright

Mr. Cunha described his cousin and what made him so special.  

"Kevin was a soft spoken giant," he said. "He was great friend to all and would give you the shirt off his back. He was very passionate about music and was a true professional. He started his career back in the 70s when he received a snare drum and started practicing. As time went on he would stay in his room and just practice all the time and as the years went on you could see how all the practicing paid off. He was a very technical drummer and really enjoyed his craft. 

"I remember talking with one of the drummers who played last year and we started talking about Kevin. He told me a story about how a drummer couldn’t make a gig one night and they needed a fill in. They called Kevin. He came down and sat with the drummer for one of the practices and then played the gig the next night with the band and just nailed it. He was hard on himself to make sure he got it right and he did. He was that good," Mr. Cunha said.

Kevin, a graduate of Barrington High School, was in a number of bands through the years and was at his best behind his drum kit. 

"I also remember playing with him when he was in high school," said Mr. Cunha. "We wanted to do the talent show but the teacher wouldn’t let us compete so we just played for fun anyway. During the middle of a song we walked off stage as he was performing a drum solo. It was just awesome, and it won him a trophy in the talent show. That was just one of many great memories I have of playing in a band with my cousin. He is truly missed every day."

Planning the event

Also helping plan the night are the members of the Barrington Democratic Club, including, but certainly not limited to Mike McGill and Jim Gardner. Many members are donating their time and effort because they all knew and cared for Kevin who was a long-time member and director of the club. They collectively are planning a fabulous night.

Many local businesses are helping out as well by donating food and raffle prizes. Many friends and families are bringing desserts. Most of the people who donate knew Kevin in some way or another and have been very supportive of the cause. 

"We are always willing to work with establishments in Barrington and around the area if they want to donate," said Mr. Cunha. "Rick Doughty and Keith Flower run the kitchen and handle all the prep and service. Rick and Keith do a great job of getting friends willing to help out in anyway."

Last year there were about 140 tickets available and all were sold out in a hurry. This year they are on track to do the same.

"I would expect about the same turnout," said Mr. Cunha. "Kevin had so many friends that loved him, and once those people hear about the continuing event, they will all want to share in the friendship and music and win some great raffle prizes."

Event details

The 4th annual Kevin Wright Celebration of Music will take place on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Barrington Democratic Club, 186 Roffee St., Barrington. Tickets are $15 at the door or go to www.gofundme.com/kevinwright to make a donation.