Andrew Fraga

Andrew Fraga
Andrew Henry (Andy) Fraga, Popular Palm Springs Jazzman died August 26, 2006 in Idyllwild. He was 63. Andy's exceptional music career started during his early childhood and continued throughout his accomplished life. He died in his sleep merely hours prior to performing at the 13th Annual Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines festival he helped create. Born October 13, 1942 to Andrew A. and Marie (nee Morell) Fraga of Brooklyn, NY, Andy began playing piano at age three, and played his first professional performance in New York at age 12 with his lifelong friend, Pat Rizzo. He earned full scholarships in Music Composition to attend both the famed High School of Music and the Arts and then the Manhattan School of Music, in New York, NY. In his youth, Andy spent a great deal of time playing for the jazz dancers at Carnegie Hall, then went on to join local jazz venues throughout the country, until later relocating to Palm Springs in 1988. Here, the charismatic pianoman rejoined friend Pat Rizzo to play at the Ocotillo Lodge and other area clubs and showcases, gaining friends and fans. Most recently, Andy spent the last 14 years as the Music Director of The Lodge at Rancho Mirage, formerly the Ritz-Carlton. There, he continued to delight fans, local and visitors alike, with his magnetic personality and brilliant playing. Throughout his career, Andy also created several commercials, often in collaboration with others, for which he won many ADDY and MONA Awards and earning him an ACE Award nomination. The beloved entertainer was honored locally with a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in May 2001. It can be found across from the St. James Café. More recently, he received the Coachella Valley Music Award last season for Best Jazz Trio. Andy is survived by his loving wife, Paula (Durbin) Fraga of Palm Springs (formerly of North Canton), his devoted son, Andy Fraga II, of Playa del Rey, his mother, in Bayville, NY, and his sister, Evangeline Kohn, and her two children, also of Bayville, as well as many cherished cousins and close friends too numerous to personally name. A Celebration of Life tribute will be held this Wednesday, September 13., 3p.m.-Midnight in The Copa Lounge at Tony's Pastamia, 360 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California, 92262, (760) 327-1773. Andrew Henry Fraga was an exceptional husband, father, friend, and musician. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Andrew H. Fraga Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 4084, Palm Springs CA, 92263. ""Andy writes not only for today, but will be understood in years to come"". - Victtorio Gianneini Published in The Desert Sun on 8/31/2006.
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