'The most beautiful thing about music is that it never ends'

On Jan. 8, 2017 in his 72nd year, Val Suriano passed away surrounded by loved ones in Ottawa, Ont.

Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Val will be remembered as an inspiring teacher and a gifted musician. His instrument of choice – the saxophone.

On Sunday, Feb. 12, family, friends and fans are invited to celebrate the life and music of Val Suriano at Loplops (651 Queen Street East) from 1 to 5 p.m. A house band comprised of Val’s former bandmates will play throughout the event, welcoming others to the stage to pay tribute to a dearly departed friend.

Admission to the event is by monetary donation. All proceeds from the event will be used to create a bursary in Val’s name to be awarded to a Korah Collegiate graduate who intends on pursuing post-secondary studies in music.

“It would be nice to have (the bursary) yearly because Val was such a talented teacher and saxophone player. He really inspired the kids” said Denine Williams, music teacher at Korah Collegiate. “This is such nice thing the family is doing for the school.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Val Suriano bursary fund can do so by donating to the GoFundMe campaign created by Val’s son, Joe.

To date, donations total just over $1,200. The final donation tally will determine the number of years the bursary will help aspiring musicians.

“I cannot think of a more fitting way to honour the life of my father than to help the next generation of musicians pursue their dreams. By doing this, we will all ensure that the music will never end!” Joe wrote on the funding page.

For decades, Val was a permanent fixture in the Sault’s music scene, playing regularly in clubs and bars, at festivals and weddings, with bands and orchestras. He was a member of popular local 60s bands The Fireflies and The Vendettas, he conducted orchestras during a number of theatre productions presented by the Musical Comedy Guild, and he inspired young minds as a teacher at Korah Collegiate.

“A tone as smooth as Stan Getz, as soulful as Stanley Turrentine, and with an unwavering sense of swing, Val helped make me the man and the player I am today,” said fellow Sault saxophone player Josh Norling of Val in a moving tribute posted to social media.

“Every meeting a lesson, every lesson a conversation on life, music, and creating a life for myself through music,” Norling continued. “He had an answer for every question and a solution for every problem. He was always there to help whether in person, through Skype, an email, or a call. When I'd find myself in a rut, Val had just the right player and album to listen to for inspiration.”

“He always told me the most beautiful thing about music is that it never ends. Gigs end, venues change, tours draw to a close, but the music never stops. The music will always be there. Val loved and played music until the end, and he has always inspired me to do the same. For as long as I have wind in my chest I will play that horn; and for as long as I play, I will want to play like Valerio Suriano. Rest easy, friend.”