(From Joe Goltz, trombone) This week YoungBlood Brass Band lost a great fan. I was messaged via Facebook by Todd two years ago. Todd told me that he was from my home town and he pointed out that he and I shared multiple friends and that he and I also went to the same college and he knew my legacy as a musician and as the program director of our colleges radio station. I was complimented on my band, my musicianship and on my overall direction in pursuing music and my dreams. Throughout 2013, Todd would humorously badger me asking when the hyped Pax Volumi album would be finished and available. All of his messages would turn into another discussion between he and I of music, humor and our commonality. Through our connected digital world, I was making a good friend with whom I shared so much in common. The day Youngbloods Pax Volumi was released, I had a message from Todd telling me how amazed he was with it and how proud he was of my band and of me. He was the first fan I heard from and it seemed simple that he and I were going to meet soon in the near future and be pals/drinking buddies/cohorts/musical collaborators... Who knows? Well, this week, via our initial medium of connection: Facebook, I learn that Todd passed away. Im writing from my parents home in the hometown Todd and I shared, and theres a void because its very logical that this weekend--a weekend that hosts the 100th anniversary of a bi-annual festival that has brought back so many that were raised here--I may have met my new friend for the first time. There are regrets and there are deep regrets. The latter are the kind you cant improve upon and correct but the kind you take to your grave. The fact that Ill never truly know Todd, know his voice and his demeanor is a deep regret. Im sorry for any tiny glance I missed that maybe could have told me that Todd needed more from his friends and his world. A world that he actively kept including me in though he really didnt know me. But despite him not having met me, he made me feel that Ive known him for a long time. I miss my un-met friend. A memorial fund has been established for Todds wife and child. If you can, please donate and assist in keeping the positivity Todd presented this world, flowing forward for those he cares for most deeply. Thank you so very much. https://giveforward/fundraiser/07v5/the-todd-olson-memorial-fund
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 16:09:56 +0000
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