It was George Frayne’s (aka Commander Cody) dream to set up a fund to help aging and struggling musicians called the Art, Music & Life Fund. The beloved Commander was blessed to have a successful musical career as well as a successful career as a visual artist/painter. Throughout his career he saw many great musicians that weren’t as fortunate as he was and he wanted the Art, Music & Life Fund to help those less fortunate. This years Benefit recipient is founding member of the NYC based horn section, the Legendary “Uptown Horns” & tenor sax player Arno Hecht!
Earlier this year, on February 26, at 10:45am Arno was in a serious car accident, hit head on while driving. He sustained multiple fractures in his right leg and left foot. For what we hope to be the 1st Annual Art, Music & Life Benefit Concert we honor Arno Hecht, one of the world’s most in demand sax players who has performed and/or recorded with: The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Ronnie Spector, Dion, J. Geils Band, Solomon Burke, Joe Cocker, Greg Allman, Cornell Dupree, Albert Collins, Keith Richards, Tom Waits, Buddy Miles, Big Joe Turner, Al Kooper, Neville Brothers, David Johannsen, Genya Ravan, Lucky Peterson, John Mayall, Leslie West, Peter Wolf, Willie Nile, Debbie Harry, Debbie Harry, B-52’s, Joan Jett, Cameo and of course Commander Cody and many more!
I know the Commander is looking down and smiling, happily knowing that his dream of helping musicians is being fulfilled! Arno Hecht is loved by all and now he needs our help, as he’s been unable to work for months due to the devastating accident. He’s just starting to do shows again now and walking with a cane. So come on out to celebrate the life of the ‘Ol Commander and support a living legend and see a great show in the process with dozens of amazing artists!
Let’s keep the Spirit of Commander Cody Alive!!!