Friends, I'm sorry to tell you that Dave Pizzini, a hurdy gurdy maker in Michigan City, Indiana, passed away yesterday.
Dave and his wife Marti, an accomplished hurdy gurdy player and enthusiastic reenactor, were active in the Indiana and Chicago-area folk music scene. They were founding members of the Midwest Hurdy Gurdy Association, and were generous in sharing their knowledge and experience with the group. John Ralyea, a Chicago hurdy gurdy player and author, had this to say about Dave: "Dave was making a lot of progress in setting up shop as a hurdy-gurdy maker and repair person -- he had a nice workshop in his home, had built up a rather extensive library of plans and developed a rather impressive circle of contacts (including a trip out to Washington State to consult with the Over-the-Water bunch). It is unfortunate for us all that he is no longer with us. He was a kind and gentle man and will be missed." Here's a note from Marti about Dave's memorial service: --------------------------------------------------------------- -------- Original Message -------- Subject: David's passing Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 20:50:32 -0500 From: Marti Pizzini <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Dave Pizzini died of lung cancer, at home on Tuesday September 2nd. He died peacefully with Marti at his side. A musical memorial service is planned for Sunday, October 5 at 3 PM at the public garden where Marti works, International Friendship Gardens (www.friendshipgardens.org) . This is located at 2055 U.S. Highway 12, on the east side of Michigan City. Find highway 35 and take it north through Michigan City where it deadends on Route 12. Turn right (east) onto 12 and go a bit more than a mile. There are signs on both sides of the road at the Friendship Gardens entrance. The service will consist of songs and tunes about journeys - sailing songs, railroad songs, traveling songs... shared by you - his friends. A pitch in on the grounds will follow - and more picking! We will be in the Symphony Garden, which is covered by a canopy which offers some protection from the elements. We won't particularly plan the program - musicians will gather at the front and we will share songs around. Brief memories of Dave can be shared, as well. There will be a sound system. If you can, let me know if you will be coming and sharing a song or two - or three - depending how many folks come. I am doing OK and plan to go back to work next week. The best to all of you. Marti --------------------------------------------------------------- Very best regards, -Gary P. (near Marengo IL, between Elgin and Rockford IL) Gary Plazyk, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fuzzy Bear Farm http://profiles.yahoo.com/g_plazyk http://www.BearCreekMusic.us http://www.RavenswoodMorris.org "Music is too important to leave to the professionals." -Robert Shaw
