When I was 13, I was only vaguely familiar with the work of Tool. When I was 14, my aunt took me to see them at UNLV. I was exhilarated, I was captivated, I was in love. To date, that concert was the single greatest experience of my life. I left that stadium a lifelong fan of Tool and Maynard James Keenan.

To see a man stand up and sing such powerful music, instead of bending almost double over the microphone as so many of the bands I listened to in those days did, completely changed the way I viewed the art of making music. I still listen to everything from Lady Gaga to Slipknot but I truly respect those artists that can give you their music without the circus. That’s not to say they don’t put on a show, Maynard was wearing a dress that night, but they don’t let that take away from the purity of their art.

Not only did that concert give me a love of all things Tool, it started my lifelong love affair with music. I seek out new music with an insatiable appetite. Pandora is my best friend. I am not much of a critic because I love and appreciate music for what it is and I can always find something positive to say about a song I’m hearing for the first time. Whether it’s the purity of the vocals, the danceable beats, or simply the truth of the lyrics, I will find some aspect of the music that makes it a valuable contribution to the world.

It has been a great joy in my life to work in the music department at Bookmans. It has given me a great opportunity to not only discover new music and re-discover lost favorites, but to discuss music with co-workers and customers. To find out why they love the music that they love and introduce them to the music I love. Through Bookmans I have come to love Amanda Palmer, Old Crow Medicine Show, Niyaz, She Keeps Bees, and so much more.

For this love of music I will always thank Mr. Keenan and his band mates.