State Theatre to Host Celebration of Life for Sal Ritz

When musician Sal Ritz passed away unexpectedly on August 7th, a huge hole was left in the local music scene. Sal's music spanned over five decades performing gigs throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond, and he spent more than a decade involved with local high school musicals and our very own FREDDY Awards.

A celebration of Sal Ritz will take place at the State Theatre on Thursday, September 21st.

The doors will open at 6 PM with the evening beginning at 7 PM. A suggested donation of $10 will be collected at the door via cash or check only. There are no tickets for this event. The State Theatre is located at 453 Northampton St in Easton and www.statetheatre.org. All donations will go directly to the non-profit FREDDY Awards in honor of Sal.

Sal Ritz was the beloved husband of Laurie Wilson Ritz for 37 years. They shared a beautiful, joyful marriage as soul-mates and best friends. They had recently begun a new chapter of their love story in St Petersburg, FL where he had already become a popular musician at several beach venues. He passed away just hours after performing at Musikfest.

Originally from Phillipsburg, Sal Ritz was a musician for over fifty years performing solo, duo, trio, band, and orchestra pit gigs throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond. He had written and recorded several original songs and was loved by the high school musical community - directing at Saucon Valley, consulting on several other high schools musicals, and serving as Audio Stage Manager for the live productions of The FREDDY© Awards. Throughout his theatrical career, Sal produced, directed and designed over 200 plays and musicals. He also had written, adapted and directed a few musicals.

The Celebration of Life will include performances from Saucon Valley and Dieruff High Schools and a litany of friends and fellow musicians. Singing some of Sal's favorite songs will be Fraser Thomas and Friends, Ritz Band, The joEs, Harry Reilly, David Hajdu, Fritz Doddy, Bob Berry, Fiona Matthews, Bob Bellfy, Eva Bellfy, John Frinzi, & Randy Wilson. Performers subject to change.

For more information, visit statetheatre.org/events/celebrating-sal-ritz.