CLAUDE RHEA MEMORIAL NIGHT HELD

Thursday, March 26, marked the night that Naples honored it's own Mr. Music, the late Claude Rhea, who passed away suddenly in recent months. Fans turned out by the hundreds to celebrate the man and his music at Truluck's Seafood, Steak & Crab House in Naples, Florida. A number of musicians also appeared, two of whom played original compositions dedicated to Claude (Sotiere Kapsalis and Lee Silvan, area pianist-composers). Well-known area R&B musicians "Doc Mambo," Melvin and Gloria (Vergina's Restaurant) also put in appearances. Kathryn Taubert sang four songs accompanied by Rhea's piano on tape, taken directly from her CDs upon which Claude recorded those songs with her. "This is the last time I'll be able to perform with Claude in the place he made famous in Naples, and the location where most of us knew him best. He will be missed."

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