Celebration of Life for Bill Kelly set for Sunday, April 13, at Genetti's
Mar. 19—WILKES-BARRE — This Palm Sunday, the Wyoming Valley will take a pause from its normal routine to gather and celebrate the life of a musical legend, Bill Kelly.
On the evening of April 13, there will be a Celebration of Life for Kelly, a King's College alumnus who died at the age of 74 on Dec. 13, 2024, in his home in Nashville.
The Celebration of Life for Bill Kelly will feature a musical event at the Genetti Grand Ballroom, 77 East Market St., in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Doors will open at 5 p.m. The tributes and entertainment begin at 6 p.m. and will continue until 10 p.m.
The tribute will start with Kelly's sister, Theresa Long, head of school at MMI Preparatory School.
"Bill loved this area, and his family is grateful for the love and generosity from his fans," Long said. "Thank you to the outstanding musicians who will be playing for this special event."
Bill Kelly's wife, Ann, will attend, traveling from Nashville. All proceeds from the door will go to help Ann through this difficult time.
'The Buoys are back in town'
As part of the celebration, former members of Kelly's band, The Buoys, and their families are traveling from afar to perform a "Buoys Reunion" for the event. The band members include Fran Brozena, Bob Gryziec, Barry Rogers, Ryan Brozena and possibly Carl Siracuse.
Other top bands of the Wyoming Valley and national fame are donating their time to perform during the evening between 6 and 10 p.m., including the Idol Kings, the Untouchables, Flaxy Morgan, and Lost at The Rodeo.
The production for the event will be donated by Rock Street Music.
Donations for the Celebration of Life for Bill Kelly are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets are available at www.ticketsalesnow.com, with credit card sales and a credit card service fee of $2 for a total of $22.
Cash sales will be available for advance tickets starting on March 26 at the Gallery of Sound in Wilkes-Barre for $20 with no service fees. A block of rooms will be held at the Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel. Room reservations can be made by calling 570-823-6152.
Kelly and Hludzik
A musical duo from the Wyoming Valley, Kelly and Jerry Hludzik teamed up in various bands, such as the Buoys and Dakota. They gained national recognition and were inducted into the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2023 for their work with the Buoys.
Kelly and other members of the Buoys, along with other celebrity bands, held the Jammin' for Jerry Benefit Concert for Hludzik on April 26, 2018, at Genetti's Grand Ballroom.
Hludzik died on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, meaning that the celebration of Kelly's life will be held just a day before the fifth anniversary of his friend and bandmate's passing. Hludzik's wife, Annie, will be in attendance at the Celebration of Life for Bill Kelly to help with the event.
Memorial prayer service
King's College will honor Kelly with a special, public Mass at the Chapel of Christ the King on North Street at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 13.
"King's College is always honored to prayerfully celebrate the lives of our deceased alumni and to offer consolation to their families and friends, said Rev. Thomas P. Looney, president of King's College. "I hope and pray that our Memorial Prayer Service for Bill Kelly at the beautiful Chapel of Christ the King will be both a fitting celebration of his life and a source of consolation and comfort for those who loved him and were loved by him."
Many involved with event
Many key individuals involved in the local music industry have helped bring this event to fruition and had the following to say about Kelly's legacy:
—Michelle Reilly, of the Untouchables, and a friend of the Hludzik and Kelly families: "Their music lives on forever!"
—Joe Nardone Sr., Gallery of Sound, concert promoter, and performer: "A benefit to support the loss of a great musician and even a greater man."
—Alan K. Stout, of Visit Luzerne County: "Bill was a great talent and wonderful person. The last time he was back in town was in 2023, for his induction into the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame, and though he was ill, he performed beautifully that night. It's a cherished memory for all that were there. I am grateful that this special tribute show is being done in his memory."
—Paul Ciliberto, of Bold Gold Media Group: "Some are talented, some are humble, some are spiritual — Bill Kelly was all three."
—Jim Della Croce, of Pathfinder Management, and Kelly's longtime colleague: "Bill left a huge footprint in the landscape of the music business. Yes, he sang the hit 'Timothy' with The Buoys early in his storied career, but he went on to record for Columbia Records, Epic, MCA Records and wrote for MCA Publishing.
"His touring life went beyond The Buoys and Dakota, opening for Queen's The Game Tour, but leading and producing marquee artists and performing across North America and on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry multiple times with country giant Carlie Louvin.
"He was a hit songwriter and chart-topper in the contemporary Christian music world and did his time as a manager and booking agent. To lead major bands in Nashville spoke to his prowess as a guitarist but we'll all remember that voice, the one that put his beloved home, the Wyoming Valley, on the national map and into the annals of pop music.
"Quick with a smile, a hearty laugh and a huge humble heart were part of Bill's DNA yet his family was his #1 hit and he knew it. Join us in celebrating Bill's legacy and give back to the man who gave so much to so many, our friend and neighbor, Bill Kelly."
—Thom Greco, businessman, promoter and entertainment investor-consultant: "Bill Kelly was a friend and a true believer in our local talent. Bill Kelly and Jerry Hludzik helped us in the studio to produce the hit album by SYNCH, '...get the feelin' — and continued to produce and help when Jimmy Harnen went out on his own to national fame with 'Where Are You Now.'
"Bill helped us with the success we enjoyed at all of our local musical venues — and Bill had an amazing voice! We will miss him, and we now rightfully celebrate Bill with Wyoming Valley pride."
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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