We invite you to join us on our journey
Derek Rieth’s long struggle with bipolar disorder ended when he took his own life on August 20, 2014. Derek was a beloved son, brother, friend and colleague whose beautiful heart and passion for music touched thousands of lives. He is mostly known to the world for his 18 years with Pink Martini but to Portland (Oregon) he was a local hero in the music community, giving endlessly and tirelessly to helping others with their dreams. Derek is also known to the music world for his intellectual pursuit of and talented mastery of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian drumming/percussion. He will not be forgotten and the Foundation will carry on his legacy and his spirit.
Our amazing journey to date
August 25, 2014
The Derek Rieth Foundation is created by Derek’s girlfriend Tadimdia Bridges in loving memory of Derek. Family, friends, fellow musicians and dancers, and fans from around the world give from their hearts.
September 7, 2014
Twilight Memorial Drum March, led by Brian Davis, with Derek’s family, friends, Jorge Alabe, members of Pink Martini, The Lions of Batucada, and the region’s sambistas march from Pioneer Square (downtown Portland, Oregon) to the Waterfront Park (Willamette River).
September 30, 2014
The Derek Rieth Foundation is incorporated as a non-profit foundation with the state of Oregon. Tadimdia's friend and consultant Diane M. Naseth volunteers to assist in the creation of the Foundation.
October 5, 2014
The Foundation’s website, designed by Avalon Leonetti, goes live.
October 19, 2014
The Derek Rieth Foundation Benefit Concert, produced by Scott Wardinsky, showcases more than 60 musicians and dancers who generously give of their time and talents to come together to honor the artist legacy of Derek and to ultimately raise awareness and funds for the Foundation.
October 2014 – present
Filming begins for a documentary on Derek's life, legacy and the birth of the foundation by Derek's friend and filmmaker Joanie Fox. The project began with The Derek Rieth Foundation Concert and follow-up interviews with musicians, colleagues and collaborators of Derek's who participated in a most memorable evening hosted by the Conga Club. In addition to the documentary some of the footage is being used as video clips to promote the 7" vinyl sale on The Derek Rieth Foundation website and other social networking sites.
October 15, 2014 – present
Pink Martini releases their first-ever 7” vinyl, Zundoku-bushi from their hit album Get Happy. Offered through Generous, a Portland-based pay-what-you-will e-commerce platform, 10% of every purchase will go to The Derek Rieth Foundation. Thank you Pink Martini!
November 17, 2014
The Derek Rieth Foundation is granted non-profit 501 (c) 3 status by the IRS.
November 2014
The Snowman Foundation (Portland, Oregon) reaches out to The Derek Rieth Foundation and requests the opportunity to place Derek’s piano in a (to be determined) public-accessible city location in 2015.
December 4, 2014
Pink Martini vocalist China Forbes, one of Derek’s dearest friends, shares her thoughts in a KGW-TV (Portland) “Live at 7” interview on opera; her sister’s feature film, Infinitely Polar Bear, based on their childhood, specifically her father’s struggle with bipolar disorder and manic depression; and losing a friend (Derek) to mental illness. China speaks eloquently about Derek and his struggle with mental illness.
December 29, 2014
Pink Martini bandleader and pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale, one of Derek’s dearest friends, shares his memories of Derek in an OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting) interview. We love Thomas’ words to describe Derek: Derek was irresistible. He had this intoxicating magnetism that was utterly seductive. (When we were making our first album, Sympathique, I decided to record the song Andalucía by the Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona) Derek played it (on the shekere) so well and it was so beautiful. His presence was so intoxicating to watch, and his energy was so wonderful that I asked him to join the band.
What will you most remember about Derek?
“He was so brave. He would befriend all kinds of people at all times.
Derek was in love with people. He was so committed to music. He was so committed to education. He loved to be a teacher.”
- Thomas M. Lauderdale, Pink Martini bandleader/pianist
The Foundation’s mission continues to evolve beautifully: The goal of the Derek Rieth foundation is to bring Afro-Cuban and Brazilian drumming/percussion training to Portland’s youth, as well as the folkloric dance of the same. We are working towards summer camps for 2015 with Fall/Winter/Spring curriculum starting in September of 2015. Classes will be available on a sliding scale fee, as well as scholarships to those who qualify.
“Nobody in the band was as committed to the music as much as Derek.
Derek was totally committed. He was so committed to studying and to being good and to doing things authentically and doing things respectfully.
He was a historian, as well as a musician and a teacher.”
-- Thomas M. Lauderdale, Pink Martini bandleader/pianist
We welcome your comments
The Derek Rieth Foundation is a project from the heart. We strive to acknowledge all of the amazing people who have given contributions (financial and in-kind). If we have inadvertently left a name or entry off please accept our sincere apologies, and let us know so we can make the appropriate corrections.
If you have ideas that you would like to share with us for further evolving The Derek Rieth Foundation, we would welcome the opportunity to hear from you.
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