Sharon Rawles, RIP
Update: Just received word that the memorial service for Sharon Rawles will take place at 11 a.m. this Friday, October 3, at Bullock Mortuary (1375 E. Hampden Avenue).
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Sharon Rawles, who had recently fallen gravely ill and was placed in hospice last week, passed away late yesterday afternoon. Rawles left a major mark on the Denver music community, from her time at Herman's Hideaway, where she worked for over a dozen years first as a door person and then as a manager (not as booking agent for the club, as we originally reported -- Allan Roth handled those duties) to her time booking Cricket on the Hill and the Blue Mule. Countless musicians remember her fondly as someone who gave them their first leg up in the scene. "For me, she gave many of my bands their first chance gigs," wrote Fever Dream drummer Madison Lucas in an e-mail last night. "And for so many more like me, she gave new music in Denver its chance!" No word yet on services or a memorial, but we'll post details as they become available. -- Dave Herrera
19 comment(s) / Post a Comment
This is such sad news. I am so glad to have know her. She was such an important part of the music scene over the past couple decades and always so supportive of me. I am so grateful. I will miss you.
Posted On: Monday, Sep. 29 2008 @ 2:59PMIt's very sad. Sharon was a driving force in the local music scene and will be missed severly. She will be remembered for her unbridled enthusiasm. I hope there will be a memorial concert set up to celebrate her life. RIP Sharon
Posted On: Tuesday, Sep. 30 2008 @ 8:35AMWow, I'm shocked. Wishing you peace Sharon, you were one of the few that really took aMD under your wing and helped us get our foot in the Denver scene. You will be greatly missed and loved always. :(
Posted On: Tuesday, Sep. 30 2008 @ 12:01PMWe're shocked & saddened by the news of Sharon's passing. Sharon was one of the first talent buyers to believe in the band and give us a shot at The Soiled Dove, Herman's and The Blue Mule. She believed in the scene and showed passion beyond most!
RIP Sharon!
The Big Oak
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 1 2008 @ 9:09AMJust heard and I am sad as hell. Too many have gone too early, way too many times. If anyone needs help setting something up-please reach out. I would love to help and honor in whatever I can.
Sharon and I talked about how she was going to write a book about the life and times of all of the bands she helped in this town. She has a collection of the T shirts, I really wish we could have gotten it done. She helped my career and many others in the scene (not to mention the bars!). But more than that, she was one of the coolest people I have ever known. I will miss her greatly.
I am sad from the loss of a friend. She wukk be missed.
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 1 2008 @ 9:29AMThis is a complete shock to me! I remember Sharon well through the Capitol Hill People's Fair. I was an entertainment committee volunteer for several years. I am no longer in the Denver area but now residing in Dallas.
Sharon is now organizing musicians/bands up in Heaven.
Sharon was a new band's best friend. I couldn't have possibly thanked her enough when I ran into her around town. Thanks for everything Sharon, you will be missed by every denver artist looking for a path from the basement to the stage.
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 3 2008 @ 12:10PMA very beautiful send off today. Hazel Miller brought tears to everyone's eyes with "Amazing Grace". Lots of wonderful tributes paid to such a nice person!
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 3 2008 @ 1:14PMSharon was an amazingly kind person, and I'll never forget her. Although I was only a "band wife" - and only for a relatively short time - Sharon never failed to make me feel part of something great. She was unfailingly warm and welcoming, and I wish her and all of her friends and family peace.
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 3 2008 @ 4:41PMWe are deeply saddened by the news of sharon passing. She has alway been the best. That's it, the best.
Mike
Luke
Anthony
& Pockets....
King Rat
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 3 2008 @ 5:50PMThe day following Sharon's memorial, I find I'm still at a loss for words to descibe the intensity of emotions experienced at the memorial. As a freind of 15 years, I simply knew she was Sharon but had lost sight of the scope of her support and care for others, though I've never forgotten her love of dogs and how she was the first one to call when I lost 2 of mine.
I'm delighted to report she is still at work in that I've reconnected with folks I "lost sight" of in some time and will be working toward animal rescue which has been a goal for a very long time. Thanks Shar.
Special thanks to Sherri Rossi and Kristi Seward for thier efforts in putting together an incredible send off for an incredible woman and of course to Hazel for the most amazing rendition of Amazing Grace.
Much Love to all that felt Sharon's love.
Cheryl Duncan
Sharon - You worked so hard for so many people's dreams. Rest in peace my friend. We will miss you so very much! Thank you for all that you did for me.
Love always. xxoo
Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 4 2008 @ 10:12PMSharon, I met you 6 years ago just as I was beginning to "personally" promote bands. You shared stories "backstage" and with bookings. You opened up about your family, too. I took from you ideas as to be connected with the local/national music industry without having to leave town, kiss up, and be behind scenes. I want to say Thank You and for always being cool to me when I would see you out. Your death is still a shock to the system. In such a short life, you gave SO MUCH to musicians and locals. Through you, I met many of these awesome people who've become great friends. God bless you always. - "Stressica" aka Jessica Moffett
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 8 2008 @ 8:25AMSharon, I met you 6 years ago just as I was beginning to "personally" promote bands. You shared stories "backstage" and with bookings. You opened up about your family, too. I took from you ideas as to be connected with the local/national music industry without having to leave town, kiss up, and be behind scenes. I want to say Thank You and for always being cool to me when I would see you out. Your death is still a shock to the system. In such a short life, you gave SO MUCH to musicians and locals. Through you, I met many of these awesome people who've become great friends. God bless you always. - "Stressica" aka Jessica Moffett
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 8 2008 @ 8:25AMSharon's cousin, Rex Moser and I started the Denver band "Buck Wild and the C. Rangers" way back in 1999. She was as much family to me as well as a great, great friend.
Sharon captained a benefit years ago for my little cousin, Michelle who passed later on, but my family will never forget what she did for us.
Mike "420" Mayhem
former bassist for Buck Wild and Buzz Bomber & the M~80s.
I'm not even sure where to start...it was Sharon who convinced me to once again climb the mountain and put together a band, instead of playing solo...with that I started Third World Dogs...the Denver music scene has lost a 'Saint' and with the Cricket gone...nothing will ever be the same...
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 15 2008 @ 1:30PMWhen I think of Sharon, the image present in my mind is always a smile. Always. She could share laughter, tears, and embarrassment with such authenticity. She had a huge heart and a genuinely caring soul. As I write this, memories fire off like pop corn, expanding, filling a bag full of happy thoughts and experiences that I shared with her. I(and Western Vogue), like so many others, were brought into the Herman's camp with enthusiasm and a welcoming spirit. It was easy to be a cheerleader for Sharon, as she walked through her life bringing much happiness and joy to the community in which she lived. Cheers, my friend
Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 25 2008 @ 9:02AM
