I worked with Nick at Record Service in Champaign and naturally conversations happen, friendships form, and memories remain. I marveled at Nick’s knowledge, his patience, his talent, and his unassuming nature. I loved when he laughed. It signaled a connection in thought or of perception, which made me feel less like an outsider. I do feel woefully inadequate to comment on his musical talent. All I know is I went to as many live shows while in the area as I could and I know somewhere in the random archives of someone’s belongings there is likely footage of me dancing in my own world while Nick played guitar with Weird Summer at Mabel’s – possibly one of my first shows at the iconic venue on Green Street. I was a regular at Big Maybe shows and went to a few Moon Seven Times shows. I believe Nick’s talent is part of what makes music, Mabel’s, and Record Service my primary memories of my CU years and my formal education there secondary. In 2016, I remember wishing I had made it to the Mabel’s reunion to reconnect with CU friends, which of course included Nick, but dates didn't line up. I never saw Nick play in the Jans Project. I always figured I would. Writing this is a stark reminder that I won’t see him play or hear him laugh again. Rest well, my friend.