While people move every day, Tommy's departure strikes us as especially poignant, particularly when we consider just how ingrained in the fabric of the scene he's become. In addition to working closely with a countless number of local acts from Liz Clark to Nina Storey, he founded and co-founded several local music efforts such as LMNOP (Local Music Network of Patrons) and Rock On Colorado. And when he wasn't busy with that, he was snapping photos at innumerable shows.
For as long as we can remember, we haven't gone more than a few weeks at time without running into the guy at
a show. From Herman's to Brendan's Pub to the Cricket on the Hill to
the Larimer Lounge, Tommy was everywhere we were, it seemed. If you
didn't know any better, you'd think he's literally planned his life
around supporting the men and women making music in this town. Knowing
Tommy as we do, that wouldn't be too far from the truth.
And
his passion for the scene extends well beyond the Colorado borders.
Believe us when we tell you, his heart's in Denver even when he isn't.
Our fondest memory? Easy. A few years back, we ran into Tommy, also an
accomplished muralist -- his Johnny Cash portrait proudly adorns the
east wall of Bender's Tavern -- at an NBC soundstage in Burbank,
California, of all places.
We were in town to catch the Fray's Tonight Show debut, and as
we were
making our way to our seat, we heard a disembodied voice emenating from
the lower seats in another section, feintly calling our
name. We scanned the crowd and didn't see anyone we recognized at
first. And then, next thing we know, there's Tommy, bearing a grin as
wide as a eight-lane SoCal
freeway and as welcoming as a bucket full of ice cold, unattended
Coronas. 'What the heck are you doing here?' we thought.
The
answer should've been obivous. Tommy was doing what he's always done --
getting behind the home team. He was temporarily living in San Diego at
the time, where he'd been commissioned to paint a mural. And evidently,
upon catching wind of the Fray's Tonight Show appearance, he somehow
managed to get his hands on tickets to the taping, at which point, of
course, he took the day off and convinced a friend to drive with him
two hours north to see Isaac Slade and company, a band he'd followed
since the beginning, play for less than ten minutes.
That's dedication.
And moments like that are common with Tommy. If you ask around, chances
are, you'll hear story after story of his tireless devotion to the
musicians in this town. So that's why news of Tommy's leaving is
bittersweet for us. Bet you won't have to look hard to find other
people at the Toad this weekend (full line-up after the jump) who feel
exactly the same way. While we're stoked that he's able to go back home
and spend quality time with his family, we're going to miss his
enthusiasm and postivity. Not only was it infectious, it was
inspirational.
Godspeed, amigo.
Friday, December 11
7:00 Demon Funkies
8:00 Mike Marchant (Widowers)
9:00 Random Hero...
10:00 Gription...
11:00 The Flash Mob
12:00 My Friend Tom
Saturday, December 12
6:00 Boa & The Constrictors:
7:00 Elizabeth Rose
8-8:30 The Trampolines
9:00 Quillion
10:00 Molina Soleil & Aju
11:00 Melanie Susuras Band
Sunday, December 13
3:00 Kristina Ingham
4:00 Zeut
5:00 Liza Oxnard
6:00 Melissa Ivey
7:00 Coles Whalen
8- 8:15 Lannie Garrett
8:30-9:15 Angie Stevens
9:30-10:15 Liz Clark
10:30-11:15 Jen Korte
