Kurt Braun's Passing

[saguaro_squeezer]

I just found out, today, via Facebook, that Kurt Braun had passed.  He was instrumental in my development as a Crane player and spent many hours with me over various instruments.  He has Harry Crabb's 10555.  HE was a wonderful man and mentor, and I fear that we will not see his like again.  I am so saddened by the loss of him.

 

Geoff Crabb would likely agree.

 

Kind regards,

 

Rod

[RAc]

Oh no, how terrible. I was in PM contact with him just a few weeks ago. He had a profound role in my development as a Crane player. Fine fellow. RIP Kurt.

 

Edit: Kurt Braun Obituary (2024) - Baton Rouge, LA - The Advocate (legacy.com)

Edited March 15, 2024 by RAc

[wes williams]

Thanks Rod,

We've only just added Kurt's recordings to the Duet Page. Although I didn't know him personally, his prescence on the forums for many years was always of the highest standard.

[whelmplay]

It's always sad news, but it's reassuring to hear that this man, at a respectable age, has passed away peacefully according to all sources and we must be thankful for what he brought to us. 
As Wes, I did not know him personally. 

 

 

[whelmplay]

@saguaro_squee

 

So sorry for your loss as it is very personal for you.

 

Edit: no idea why letters are so big. Did not do that on purpose.

 

 

Edited March 16, 2024 by whelmplay

[gcoover]

Kurt was a regular at the Old Pal Concertina Weekend from the very beginning, and we always enjoyed his old time favorites played exquisitely on a large Crane Duet.

 

I last talked with him only three months ago about a problem he was having with one of his reeds and he sounded quite well.

 

His humor and musicianship were a huge part of the Old Pal event and he will be greatly missed. Next weekend will be the 20th anniversary of concertinas at the Old Palestine Festival - we shall have to come up with a suitably musical memorial in his honor. We love you, Kurt, now you can make the angels smile with all your great tunes!

 

Gary

 

PS - Here's a photo of Kurt from the 2005 Old Pal Festival.

Edited March 16, 2024 by gcoover

[David Barnert]

Sorry to hear. I knew Kurt from the (at least) two times he attended the NorthEast Squeeze-In (NESI), back when it was at Bucksteep Manor (pre-2011).

[Anglo-Irishman]

"... gone are the friends from the cotton fields away; gone from the Earth to a better land I know; I hear theit gentle voices calling ..."

 

Kurt , through this forum, helped me to get enjoyment out of my Crane. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

 

John

[Geoffrey Crabb]

Thanks Rod, very sad to hear this.

 

Although I never met Kurt, we had built up a certain affinity through my dads concertina (10555) that he acquired in December 1988.

I was grateful that it had gone to a dedicated player who had preserved and played it for a further 36 years. 

I shall miss our occasional correspondence as will those, I am sure, who benefited from his encouragement and, of course, the entertainment he provided, so expertly, on the concertina.  

 

RIP Kurt 

[Jim Bayliss]

Sad to hear of Kurt's passing.  A fine person, musician, and fellow duet player at Palestine.  He will be missed.   

[Dan Worrall]

Kurt was a true friend and a cheerful and valued presence at our concertina weekends at the Palestine music festival each year, going back to 2004. He will be greatly missed.