“We lost a good friend this Friday. This song is dedicated to Kofi.” – Roosevelt Collier.

During Roosevelt “The Dr.” Collier’s set, the Miami-master of sacred steel guitar, stopped his band and shared a tribute to Kofi Burbridge.

The multi-instrumentalist died on Feb. 15, 2019. In a lineup full of music superstars, Kofi shined as a member of Grammy Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band. Paying homage to Kofi, Roosevelt Collier’s words were greeted with a round of applause from everyone in Vinyl Music Hall.

After their opening set, Roosevelt Collier and his band gave the stage to Lettuce.

With their Vibe Up Tour in full gear, Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff (guitar), Adam Deitch (drums), Erick “Jesus” Coomes (bass), Ryan Zoidis (sax), Eric Bloom (trumpet) and Nigel Hall (organ/keys/vocals) lit up Vinyl Music Hall with their groove-heavy gifts of funk and jazz.

 

The band also paid tribute to Kofi and on Feb. 20th, Lettuce posted this tribute and a photo of them jamming with Kofi on their Facebook page…

“Kofi Burbridge has always been a huge influence on us. He has been mentoring us since his early days in ARU. His understated funky keyboard playing as well as his untouchable flute virtuosity has been flooring us for over 2 decades.

Hanging with Kofi has also taught us how to act, how to BE and how to communicate with other musicians. He always had the WARMEST vibe and encouraged us to keep our dream alive. Getting the chance to perform with him on multiple occasions stepped our game up and pushed us to the next level.

We love you and respect you forever Kofi!! You will be missed, but never forgotten!!!”

 

-Michael Hulin-Smith