Tribute to Mike Kirby
On 13th May 2010 Mike Kirby, a long-standing member of Kaledioscope Creative Arts Centre, passed away after a relatively
short battle against cancer. He was diagnosed in April 2009 with Myeloma, a rare and as-yet incurable form of
blood cancer which destroys bone marrow and causes fractures, severe pain, fatigue, frequent infection and kidney
failure. Mike suffered all these over twelve months but never complained and tried to live a full life.
works to raise awareness of the disease, fund research and support innovation. It also provides
support for patients suffering from the illness, and their families. Mike’s family appreciate at first
hand the work that Myeloma UK do and have undertaken to help raise awareness of this very worthwhile charity.
Tribute CD
The band was honoured to play at Mike’s funeral in May last year and decided to produce a CD as a tribute to him. So, in January this year we recorded a number of tunes, favourites of Mike, the resulting CD now being available to those who would like it in return for a donation to Myeloma UK. Details of the CD, including a couple of excerpts, are as listed below.
- Groovin’ Hard - Don Menza
- All Blues - Miles Davis (solo - Bill Robinson)
- Mambo No. 5 - Perez Prado
- Corcovado - Antonio Carlos Jobim
- Blues Machine - Michael Sweeney
- It Had to be You - Isham Jones
- Be Still My Heart (featuring Mike)
- Sway - Pablo Rosa Luiz
- One More for the Count - Mike Lewis
- It Don’t Mean a Thing - Duke Ellington
Mike and the band
Mike was a founder member of Just in Time and a mainstay of the trumpet section. Generous with his time and talents, he gave freely of his musical ability, not only in playing the trumpet but also leading the band whenever there was a need. Happy to play solo or as part of the brass section, he shared his musical talent freely. The band has faced a number of issues over the years and Mike’s wisdom at such times was greatly appreciated, always bringing a balanced view, even when emotions were running high. If ever it was appropriate to describe someone as a pillar of the band, then Mike certainly deserved that description.
It is no coincidence that so many people, inside and outside the band, have had so many positive things to say about Mike. He was a man who made a lasting impression on all those who knew him. In the band, someone else may play the notes, but Mike is irreplaceable. May his spirit live on in the band and the CD.
On behalf of Myeloma UK, Mike Kirby’s family, Just in Time and Kaleidoscope Creative Arts Centre,
