As previously reported, New Orleans-based keyboardist Stephen Malinowski passed away over the weekend at the age of 25. Malinowski, a member of the Mardi Gras Indian band Cha Wa and a regular performer around town, was less than a week shy of his 26th birthday.

Some of Malinowski’s friends have organized a memorial for the young musician, which is scheduled to take place in New Orleans tomorrow (Wednesday, June 22). The celebration of his life and music will begin with services at the Charbonnet Funeral Home from 10am to noon, with a second line set for 12:15pm. Refreshments will be available at Frenchy’s Gallery from 2pm to 5:30pm, and the Maple Leaf will host a memorial concert featuring Cha Wa and the Heart Attacks from 3pm to 7:30pm.

Malinowski was a New York State native and a graduate of Boston’s Berklee College of Music. After college, he performed with Brooklyn-based funk collective Turkuaz before moving down to New Orleans to pursue his dream of playing music in this city. In addition to holding down the keys with Cha Wa, Malinowski also performed with blues artist Ana Popovic’s touring band, funk trio Solar Strut and guitarist June Yamagishi. Both Cha Wa and Turkuaz have posted heartfelt statements regarding his death on their Facebook pages.

Cha Wa wrote:

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our brother, bandmate, and favorite piano virtuoso Stephen Malinowski. Steve’s infectious and inspired playing on stage was legendary. We have never witnessed another performer look more over joyed to play his instrument, regardless if it was on an old out-of-tune upright piano in a dive bar or a grand piano in a concert hall. He really inspired us to be better musicians and people. Words cannot express the loss we are feeling. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve’s partner Brittney and Steve’s family.
Rest in Peace, Rest In Power.
Stephen Malinowski 1990-2016

Turkuaz wrote:

We are still in complete shock at the loss of our dear friend, Stephen Malinowski. Steve was an extraordinary musician, a one of a kind talent, and a fun, loving and kind person.

It was such an honor for us to play music and tour with Steve in our band for over a year. After some time, he made the move down to New Orleans, where he was every bit as loved and embraced in the musical community. Every time we saw him over the past few years, he seemed so happy, and in his element, right where he wanted to be.