Meet your BIG REDs nominees: The Unsung Hero

I wasn’t going to write up anything on any of the categories for the BIG REDs but this is one category that I feel deserves some explanation, some recognition, a proper “thank you” not just to whoever takes it home, but to all those who are nominated here and all those who go above and beyond to help foster and curate a community in town. They are the few, they are the Unsung Heroes of the music community.

There is nothing that is particularly beneficial about being an Unsung Hero. People act as such because they feel as though someone NEEDS to be holding up a piece of the community. Someone needs to tell people about good music, or host shows in their house for people to hear it, or taking videos and photos at shows to capture the magic that happens in town every night. These are the people that are the heart and soul of a kinship. I commend those folks, because they really are heroes. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to the Unsung Hero Nominees. You all are amazing and I have so much respect and appreciation for you guys. Briefing of those folks below through my own eyes….and trying to remain as unbiased as possible.

Matt Smith – a guy who has been a staple in the folk community as long as, if not longer than most of the musicians/bands around town. Matt brings amazing music to a club in town that is absolutely unlike any other bar or venue. Passim is special. Passim is different. It is a place for music to be heard and listened to and not just background noise. We don’t have another one of those around town and Matt is a HUGE reason why it is still here for us to enjoy.

Tom Bianchi – if you consider yourself a songwriter, you have been effected by Tom, because you have participated in the Lizard Lounge open mic challenge. Years have been going by where Tom just makes you feel welcome, with an introduction for every artist as if they were one of his clients he is trying to get a great gig for. He is just a sincere and wonderful person that always brings a smile to my face. Plus, one of the hardest working musicians himself in town, period.

Michael Panico – Think of the last 3 cool bands you found about it. Michael Panico was already going to all of their shows 5 months before you even heard about them. Seriously, 8 of the last 10 bands I listened to were suggestions from Panico. The guy goes out to a TON of shows, supports a TON of great local musicians, and is so deeply engrained in this scene that it would take a jackhammer and a forklift to pull him out of it. For real.

Shawn Schilberg – “Hi, I would like to open my home up to a bunch of people so they can come and enjoy amazing musicians and take all the stress that comes with it” said not that many people in the world. Shawn hosts some of the greatest musicians in town as his place, putting on amazing house concerts…and does it all with a smile.

Patrick Coman – Patrick is a musician, but he is also so much more. He hosts a great radio program on a well respected and listened to station that plays ALL local music. Airplay is a huge obstacle for a musician to get over. Oh yeah, he also is on the committee for the New England Americana Fest and curates the For the Sake of the Song shows/tours/videos. Busy dude.

Jenn Harrington – Jenn is that quiet fan at the show listening and appreciating every word. She also documents everything. I don’t think there has ever been a show where she doesn’t take a video and post it to her youtube channel. This in a musician’s eyes is incredible. It’s not often we get dedicated folks wanting to do this kind of thing…and for free. Jenn is awesome.

Jon Dorn (Brewster Productions) – Jon and his Brewster Productions company have been putting on shows for YEARS now down in Plymouth. The shows have given local, independent musicians a great venue for showcasing their talents. Adding more series’ as the years have gone on and doing sound for bigger events, its awesome to see this grow…and Jon also works for one of RLRs favorite places, Club Passim. Double time good work!

Bryan Christopher Minto – Blowing the harp, playing in the Cannibal Ramblers and The Low Anthem. Holding down the fort at The Columbus behind the scenes and also at the museum stage at Newport Folk Festival, Minto has been a familiar face for the folk loving folks. A friendly and loving guy of the arts he is one of the reasons that the Providence/RI music scene is so wonderful and rich.