On Thursday, February 29, Nicky’s Celebration is scheduled to occur at the Key West Theater.
Now in its sixth year, this event aims to raise funds to support the families of local children fighting cancer. Organized by Jamie and Wayne Sorbelli, owners of a local music store, the night kicks off with Windpower, a musical ensemble featuring myself and four talented musicians from Key West. Together, they will perform a repertoire of Jethro Tull’s music. The highlight of the evening features Wayne Sorbelli and 13 other skilled musicians paying tribute to Led Zeppelin, performing classics like “Kashmir” and “Stairway to Heaven.”
Nicky’s Celebration was established in memory of Nicky, the son of Jamie and Wayne Sorbelli, who lost his battle with lymphoma at the age of 10 on February 17, 2016. Through their personal experience with their son’s illness, the Sorbelli family witnessed the challenges faced by parents of children with life-threatening conditions. These challenges include emotional struggles and significant financial burdens arising from medical expenses and the impact of lost income in Key West’s demanding economy. Nicky’s Celebration evolved beyond a mere tribute to become a nonprofit organization, fostering a supportive community.
For Wayne, this event holds immense significance. He shares, “I think about him every day. I’m a father; that’s what you do. But you can get lost in those thoughts. And so I compartmentalize them. I put them aside knowing I will have time to think of him and feel a year’s worth of love, of missing, of happy thoughts, of anger and anything else you can think of, on his night, and all the nights of rehearsal that precede it.”
“On this night, I am absolutely sure I feel him. It’s hard to explain, but I feel like I see him in other people’s faces. In their expression or movement. In a gesture or a glance. I don’t ‘see’ him but I feel like I catch a glimpse out of the corner of my eye. These things course through me and for moments it can be overwhelming. But playing these songs keeps me grounded while I allow myself to feel all I feel. I’m free, too.”
Wayne is supported by a band of 13 individuals. When asked about his selection criteria for the group, he explained, “Well, I didn’t really feel like I needed a super group of well-known players even though I know some great musicians. It was approached more like, out of the pool of people I could ask, all of whom are talented, dedicated craftsmen, it was about who do I want to work with that I know cancer has touched their lives personally? In this way we could all heal together and the sound of our healing will make for a great night of music, love, remembrance, and hope.”
Tickets for Nicky’s Celebration are currently available for purchase. To contribute or learn more, contact Island Guitar at 305-414-8056 or text HELPINGKIDS (in all capital letters) to 53-555.