Kamin, Franz T. Age 68, an influential, prolific and innovative composer, performance artist, pianist, teacher, poet, and author of several cele- brated books of experimental prose died in a car accident on April 11, 2010 with his friend and fellow composer James Brody. Born in Milwaukee, Kamin lived and performed for many years in Bloomington, IN, New York City, and the Hudson Valley before moving to St. Paul in 1987, where he taught piano, produced Norkinshot Press chapbooks, gave brilliant readings and ground breaking performance events with local friends and artists. A consummate pianist in Carnegie Hall recital, Kamin was founding member of the Dead Composers Society and gave over 200 concerts in performance venues, homes, elderly residences and homeless shelters in the Twin Cities. Preceded in death by his brother and parents of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, Kamin was buried at the Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Dear friend and mentor to many. A celebration concert will be held later. Memorial contributions for recording his compositions to the Institute of Publishing Arts c/o Nor Hall, 117 Portland Ave, #501 Minneapolis, MN 55401.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
Dearest Franz-- Frozen tears have been falling from the sky for two days now in a blowing "monster storm" exactly commemorating your dying day. Naturally it feels like you are present. But then again, hardly a day goes by when I don't hear your voice correcting a tai chi move or commenting on a creative issue. I'm still listening.
Nor Hall
April 12, 2019 | St. Paul, MN | Friend
Months later I remain extremely sad about Franz's passing. He would've not liked for me to be this sad for this long. "Stop ruminating, you've GOT to move on" he would've said. "It's a waste of time and energy". Of course, he would've been right and I would've continued ruminating. Please continue to watch over me Franz and help me to be to someone else what you you have been to me...
Richie
July 29, 2010 | Minneapolis
Dear Franz, you were one of the brightest lights in my life and I am speechless in grief.
Laura Marie Dyer
June 26, 2010 | St. Paul, MN
FK with Snow White & Rose Red (Harriet Bart & Nor Hall)
Always a director and collaborator in work and life. Our dear Franz here post-Valentine Reveal, "Aphrodite's Back" show featuring his original composition for multiple instruments and vocals including a wolf whistle for the Lupercale. Maybe 2006? with colleagues. We miss him. While living in ridiculous poverty he went on working, pouring out riches for all of us.
Nor Hall
May 06, 2010 | St. Paul, MN
Two old friends out for a drive on a balmy, sunny Sunday in spring. They are in their accustomed places - Brody at the wheel, Franz in the passenger seat. Four years they have been separated physically, psychically not at all. The conversation deep, the silence comfortable. Brody has offered Franz a reprieve from his enclosed, darkened solitude - a trip into the light and the green. They do not survive one another.
We are wounded - our pain sharp. We are fortunate. They have...
Marie Nesthus
April 21, 2010 | New York, NY
I have had a wonderful life in music, due solely to the teaching of this enormously gifted man. He was the most important influence in my life. Thank you Franz. Carolyn Horn
Carolyn Horn
April 20, 2010 | Eugene, OR
Franz, you've always been standing in the background of my life ever since that fateful night I met James Brody; your friend, student and co-composer. How fitting you met the Light together! I'll miss your growly old voice!
Sharda Brody
April 20, 2010 | Paris, TX
Speechless for now. Words to follow. Deep, deep sadness.
Richard Cameron-Wolfe
April 18, 2010 | Taos, NM