Pink Martini Percussionist Dies

The little orchestra from Portland, Ore., known as Pink Martini has lost one of its founding members. The band announced today that percussionist Derek Rieth has died.

No cause of death has been announced. The bad news came to fans via the band’s Facebook page.

Photo: Facebook.com/PinkMartini

Pink Martini will continue with plans to play with the von Trapps at Portland’s Oregon Zoo tonight and Saturday evening. According to the The Oregonian/OregonLive.com, the band’s “Brazil” finale will be dedicated to Rieth.