Eleven Years In, Bonelli Music Bash Keeps the Music Playing

Music has always run in the Bonelli family. It’s part of the reason why the Bonelli Music Bash still feels like a large family gathering. Returning to its longtime home at All That Jazz in Sunrise, Florida, the 11th edition filled the room with relatives, friends and musicians. They came to honor John Bonelli, who died of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in 2017, and his brother Matt, who passed away unexpectedly last year.

John picked up drumsticks as a child and grew into a beloved drummer and singer, performing until he no longer could. Matt, a talented musician who once played with the Bee Gees, was an integral part of the Bash and helped organize it each year. John’s son, Chris Bonelli, started playing at 12 and later joined his dad in bands with friends and at church events. “It’s a pretty cool thing to be able to play with your family members,” he said.

Many of the musicians are longtime friends of John, Matt and the family, and several have played all 11 years. Players swap in and out, moving between rock and jazz while the music never stops. “We just try to rotate that and keep the wheels spinning,” Chris said.

Lois Bonelli, John’s wife, started the Bash over a decade ago to celebrate his lifetime of music, and has kept it going ever since. She was also John’s care partner as he lived with PSP. Her sisters, who were close with John too, have helped with the Bash from the start. “Every year we make an effort to support her and support CurePSP,” said Joyce, Lois’ sister.

Lois’ older sister, Flo, runs the silent auction. Her husband, a potter, donates handmade wheel-thrown stoneware every year, and the tables also hold artwork and gift cards to restaurants and stores. Among the biggest items, CurePSP board member Paul Freeman donated suite tickets to a University of Miami football game. In total, this year’s Bash drew more than 100 guests and raised over $10,800 for CurePSP. “That’s what it’s all about: people coming out, having fun and raising money for CurePSP,” Lois said.

The music rolled on through the day, with jazz and rock sets on stage and old friends dancing and catching up in the crowd. Music defined John and Matt, and the Bash keeps it playing. As the afternoon wound down, Lois thanked the crowd. “I appreciate all that everyone has done, and we'll continue to do it next year.”