Meet the Staff at Swallow Hill Music

Dakota Nelson

Patron Experience Associate (she/her/they)

Dakota was born and raised in Parker, CO. After four years in Arizona and graduating from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Strategic Communication and minor in Arts and Cultural Management, she returned to Denver. Dakota grew up playing guitar and has always loved art in its many forms, whether that’s music, theatre, movies, etc., so she is happy to now be able to experience the Denver music world as an adult. She attributes her love of music to the “Juno” movie soundtrack (it introduced her to Sonic Youth and subsequently changed her life).

Working at the front desk, she loves getting to be surrounded by music and talking with all different types of people. She can be seen answering the phones and emails, and helping out with the evening class rush.

After work she can be found with her nose in a book, catching the latest movie at the theater, or out at a concert.

First concert? The Wiggles – yes, the ones for little kids!

What song could you listen to all day long? “Waiting Room” by Phoebe Bridgers (or anything else by Phoebe Bridgers)

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Bardo Coffee

Cecile Kerr

Development Director (she/her/hers)

Cecile Kerr, Development Director at Swallow Hill Music, grew up in Longmont, Colorado. With a Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance and Music Business and a Master of Arts in Non-Profit Management, Cecile has dedicated her career to the arts. Her 15+ years of experience in Colorado’s arts organizations includes roles as Chief Operating Officer, Artistic Director, and Development Director.

As a lifelong artist, she is passionate about the transformative power of the arts and is committed to supporting organizations that bring the joy of music to the community. In her role at Swallow Hill Music, Kerr is responsible for building relationships and securing financial support to empower the organization’s mission. When not working, she enjoys gardening, home renovation, volunteering, and spending time outdoors with her wonderful husband Neal Kerr and their beloved dog Tellie.

First concert? Weezer at Red Rocks

What song could you listen to all day long? “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Denver Beer Co on Downing

Leah Galvin

Senior Director of Strategic Programs (she/her/hers)

Leah was born and raised in Woodland Park, Colorado. She moved to the East Coast and spent 12 years doing a combination of college, bartending, globe trotting, raving, folk festival-ing and finally grad school. Leah has been working in the nonprofit world for almost 20 years helping organizations become more data driven so a culture of learning and reflection exists at all levels.

When not working, you can find Leah escaping to the mountains any chance she has, chit chatting with her girlfriends around a cozy fire, reading, and hanging with her husband and tiny humans.

First concert? Color Me Bad and Paula Abdul at Fiddler’s Green

What song could you listen to all day long? “This Must Be the Place” by Talking Heads

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Ft. Greene in Denver and Buena Vista

Meaghan Lillis

Office Manager (she/her/they)

Born and raised in Colorado, Meaghan received her BS in Music from CU Denver in 2008. Since then, she’s sung and played keys/synth/keytar in a wide variety of Denver bands, taught piano and voice lessons at schools for over a decade, and recorded multiple albums. As Swallow Hill’s office manager, Meaghan helps keep each department humming, gets resources to staff and teachers, and oversees admin organization and scheduling. When not at Swallow Hill or playing music around the city, you can find Meaghan hiking/biking local trails, backpacking in the mountains and desert, or cooking a new recipe.

First concert? Garbage at the Mammoth (now the Fillmore) Theater!

What song could you listen to all day long? “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Apex Park, Tonantzin Cafe, and My Brother’s Bar

Sam Biardi

Concert Production Assistant (she/her/hers)

Sam grew up in Huntington Beach, CA and participated in multiple community theaters throughout the Southern California area. She then moved to North Carolina for college in search for new areas of study and went on to complete her B.A. in Sociology in 3 1/2 years. After graduating from Elon University, Sam worked for multiple award-winning venues such as DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center), The Washington Ballet, and The National Theatre in DC. She moved to Denver in 2016 and has never felt more at home in the mountains. As the Concert Production Assistant, Sam is the point of contact for touring artists, to make sure Swallow Hill is a home away from home, and that everything goes smoothly and seamlessly during showtime. In her free time, Sam loves to read books and go camping. She also enjoys grabbing coffee with friends and talking about the waves of life. Take it easy!

First concert? Weird Al Yankovic

What song could you listen to all day long? “Long Distance Runaround” by Yes

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Stella’s Coffee Haus

Graham Bryant

Concert Production Assistant (he/him/his)

Graham is from Houston, TX. He recently graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with two master’s degrees, so he can be involved in nonprofit administration. He is very excited to be part of the Swallow Hill team.

Graham helps house-manage concerts at Swallow Hill, sits on the accessibility sub-committee, and works on various projects to help expand the concert team. When he isn’t working, you can find him catching a movie at Denver Film, watching local theatre, or getting work done at a nearby cafe.

First concert? Ray Charles at the National Mall

What song could you listen to all day long? “Dancing in the Moonlight”

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? The Crypt / Scr3am and Sugar

Lindsay Temple

Concert Production Assistant (she/her/hers)

Lindsay was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida. She is excited about supportive roles in the music industry. At work, Lindsay can be found managing shows at Swallow Hill on the weekends. In her free time, she enjoys writing music journalism, sunbathing and dancing.

First concert? Itzhak Perlman

What song could you listen to all day long? “Please Don’t Make Me Cry” by Lianne La Havas

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Mercury Cafe

Blake Schierer

Concert Production Manager (he/him/his)

Blake is originally from Chicago, IL and has been a musician since he was a kid. Blake went to school at the University of Montana before returning back to Chicago and starting a career in large scale sports event management. He moved to Denver in 2015, and after 13 years in the sports industry, made the jump to follow his heart and passion for music and joined the Swallow Hill team. He is grateful and thrilled to be a part of the Concert Production team, bringing live music (and joy!) to the community.

When not at Swallow Hill, you can find Blake playing with his band, rooting for the Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks at a local sports bar, hanging with his wife (and dogs) at City Park, or catching a live show.

First concert? The Beach Boys under the St. Louis Arch in 1992

What song could you listen to all day long? “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Reverence Brewing Company

Barry Osborne

Senior Manager, Marketing (he/him/they/them)

Barry hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has a background in libraries and daily journalism, including ten years at The Denver Post. He first came to Swallow Hill as a banjo student to help him destress from working in journalism. As Community Marketing Manager, he ensures that Swallow Hill is visible at offsite, community events. He works with musicians to promote their concerts, as well as media relations, and maintaining Swallow Hill’s archives.

A songwriter and banjo player, Barry performs solo, and with indie folk band Distance Walk. He loves building Lego kits with his son, listening to true crime podcasts with his daughter, and exploring the city with his wife.

First Concert: Depeche Mode at Summerfest in Milwaukee, 1990

What song could you listen to all day? “Go Dig My Grave” by Lankum

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Pop-up events, things that happen once and never again. Denver’s a great town for that, you just have to look.

Shauna Sweeney

Senior Manager of Concert Production (she/her/hers)

Shauna is a musician, songwriter, and event producer. Raised in New England and South Florida, she spent many evenings with family and friends playing guitars, harmonizing and jamming. As a solo artist and with her band, Shauna has released 4 albums and performed over 2500 shows internationally and in the US. She is thrilled to now be part of Swallow Hill’s Concert Production Team, helping to bring the joy of music to our community. When not making music, Shauna enjoys traveling, hiking, and hanging with her husband Bryan and their cats Ellie and Penny and dogs Abby and Jonsi.

First concert? Elton John & Billy Joel

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? St. Mary’s Glacier.

What song could you listen to all day long? “Walkman” by Bad Bad Hats

David Dugan

Talent Buyer (he/him/his)

Born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, David is an experienced musician and event’s manager with over 15 years of involvement in the professional music and entertainment industry. Before joining Swallow Hill Music, he spent time working at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Bohemian Foundation, and Lost Lake Lounge; where he helped to plan, promote, and produce live events. As a musician, David has released multiple studio projects and played concerts all across the world. In his role as Concert Director, David is responsible for booking, producing, and managing the concert program at Swallow Hill Music. Outside of work, you can find him cheering on the Colorado Avalanche, golfing with his friends, or taking in a local concert.

First concert? Eddie Money

What song could you listen to all day long? “The Modern Age” by The Strokes

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Fort Greene Bar & The Harvard Gultch Par 3 Golf Course

Sarah Keller

Cafe Staff (she/her/hers)

Sarah Keller was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and has been singing and playing music for as long as she can remember. After majoring in Environmental Studies, she worked as an organic vegetable farmer for three years. She found her way back to music through classes at Swallow Hill, and is grateful to have joined the Quinlan Café staff, where she fixes drinks and creates meaningful and friendly experiences for our community members! When she’s not at the Café, you can find her writing and performing music with her band mud & marrow, making jewelry, and loving the great outdoors.

First concert? The Beatles 1964 Tribute Band at Red Rocks

What song could you listen to all day long? “Everything Happens to Me” by Chet Baker

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Stella’s Coffee Haus

Andy McQueen

Sound Engineer (he/him/his)

Andy is originally from right here in Denver, Colorado. He went to school for audio production, but he first worked at Swallow Hill in the realm of construction.

In the role of an audio engineer he is responsible for the setup, tear down, and sound engineering of live performances. When he isn’t working you’ll find him learning and improving on many craft skills and occasionally playing frisbee with his friend Pepper.

First concert? Bob Weir at Red Rocks (but the first show I chose to attend was Nirvana.)

What song could you listen to all day long? “Coffee and Cigarettes” by Lagwagon

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Dakan Road 4×4 Trail

Amy Licata

Concert Production Assistant (she/her/hers)

Amy is a Minnesota native who relocated to Denver in 2021 to pursue her master’s degree at the University of Denver. In 2023, her academic journey culminated in earning her master’s in Arts and Culture Management, with a specialized focus on outreach and advocacy. Her experience in nonprofit organizations and passion for the arts led her to Swallow Hill.

As the Concert Production Assistant, Amy’s primary responsibilities include managing venue operations, supporting a variety of events and concerts, and handling administrative duties. Additionally, she serves as the primary day-of-show contact to ensure the smooth and consistent “run of show.”

You can find Amy at a local ice rink when she is not working. Since 2010, Amy is a professional figure skater and has traveled as far as Saudi Arabia and the Philippines to perform in ice skating productions. When she’s not busy, you can find her running or hiking on the numerous trails of Colorado.

First concert? The Beach Boys

What song could you listen to all day long? “The Mother We Share” by Chvrches

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Steam Espresso Bar

Katherine Thomas

Customer Service Associate (she/her/hers)

Born and raised in Denver, Kat has always been interested in music, playing the piano from a young age. Her love for the arts and appreciation of the community music can bring, has lead her to Swallow Hill as a Customer Service Associate. While she primarily had experience serving food n booze, she is now serving sick tunes. Working with students and teachers to coordinate all the daily craziness with a big ol’ smile n dance behind the scenes. She often assists with classroom/concert set-ups, daily communications and anyone that may need a helping hand. When Kat is not working she can be found at a local dog park, a good sunset spot or anywhere with some dancing!

First concert? Fall Out Boy with Wiz Khalifa opening

What song could you listen to all day long? Feathery by Milky Chance

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Daniel’s Park in Castle Pines

Tori Barnett

Marketing Director (she/her/hers)

Tori, a Colorado native, is the marketing director at Swallow Hill. She brings more than two decades of experience to her role in marketing and communications, including 15 years in the nonprofit sector. Her career path was inspired by a desire to create a positive impact on Denver’s communities, and she thoroughly enjoys nurturing a love for music at Swallow Hill. She possesses an expertise in building marketing programs through brand development, data-driven strategies, and cultivating meaningful connections. Outside of work, you’ll find her trying to grow vegetables, climbing or biking in the mountains, or exploring the nooks and crannies of Denver’s cultural scene.

First concert? Weezer at the Ogden

What song could you listen to all day long? Everyday People by Sly and the Family Stone. (Also love the Joan Jett & The Blackhearts cover!)

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Goosetown Station in Golden

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Andrew Roberts

Facilities Technician (he/him/his)

Andrew “Squirrel” Roberts spent his childhood in Loveland Colorado and Lewisburg West Virginia. Andrew works in facilities making sure the building and parking lot look beautiful and that all the electrical, plumbing, boiler, roofing etc… is in working order. Andrew has worked as a painter, roofer, handyman for years as well as a music director at the School of Rock. Andrew plays bass guitar, synthesizers, a little bit of drums and knocks em dead at karaoke! When not at Swallow Hill, Andrew can be found adventuring on his motorcycle, seeing a local band, hanging with his chickens & pooch or just jamming out.

What was the first concert you attended? Yes at Fiddler’s Green in 1997

What song could you listen to all day long? I never get sick of any song by Rush or Squarepusher.

Favorite Denver hangout? Mutiny Information Cafe

Daniel Lorenzo

Digital Marketing Manager (he/him/his)

Daniel is originally from San Antonio, Texas and has been a musician since age 10. After studying music and journalism in college, he began a career in Digital Marketing and is grateful to now combine his passion for communication with his passion for music.

As the Digital Marketing Manager, he is responsible for spreading the joy of music by overseeing Swallow Hill’s social media, website, and email communications. When he isn’t working, you can find him playing guitar and viola in his band Chariots & Charioteers, running long-ish distances, or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

First Concert: Goo Goo Dolls & Counting Crows (when he was 10!)

What song could you listen to all day? “Bluebird” by Cory Wong with Chris Thile

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Chautauqua Park

Harry Todd

School and Customer Service Associate (he/him/his)

Harry has tried to leave his hometown of Denver many times, but its just never lasted. He has worked in the music world in a variety of different roles — college radio host, music journalist, and record store clerk at good ol’ Twist & Shout Records on Colfax. At Swallow Hill, Harry gets to work with teachers and their students to book private lessons while hanging out at the front desk. He also gets to defend his title as Swallow Hill’s inaugural ping pong tournament champion when time allows. Catch Harry around town biking, baking, and brute-forcing his way through the crossword.

First Concert? David Byrne at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 2004

What song could you listen to all day long? “Condition the World is In” by Religious Souls.

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Novel Strand Brewing Company

Patty Jackson

This week’s Staff Spotlight on the Hill is our Volunteer Manager, Patty Jackson! Originally from central N.Y., Patty has called Westminster her home for the past 20 years. She recruits, orients, trains, and oversees Swallow Hill volunteers in a variety of roles across all departments including concerts and outreach programs.

Patty’s varied career path has taken her on many adventures, including Park Building and Maintenance, Youth Center Director, Hay Wagon Troubadour, and Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Patty is also a part-time musician and has called Swallow Hill Music her unofficial home away from home.

In her leisure time, Patty can be found camping, kayaking, teaching a mighty band of ukulele and guitar players, playing board games, playing with her bands, woodworking, and seeing live music.

First Concert: Joan Baez

What song could you listen to all day? “Michigan” by The Milk Carton Kids

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Any body of water with the sun on my face

Sherise Talbott

Membership and Individual Donor Manager (she/her/hers)

Born and raised in Colorado, Sherise grew up on the Front Range in Longmont and Fort Collins and moved to Denver in 2010. Sherise has her Bachelor of Arts in Art Education and Ceramics from Colorado State. She comes to Swallow Hill from the retail and art museum realm. In previous roles, Sherise oversaw visitor experience, volunteer coordination, programming development and retail management. As Swallow Hill’s Membership and Individual Donor Manager she will lead strategies for acquiring new members, to grow and develop the membership and donor programs. In her free time, Sherise loves to read, listen to music, make art and cuddle with her affectionate cat, Leeloo. Spending time with family and in nature are some of her favorite pastimes.

What was your first concert? Bad Religion at the Paramount Theatre

What song could you listen to all day? Anything with Dorthy Ashby

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? The Arkansas River, just outside of Salida

Aengus Finnan

President and Chief Executive Officer (he/him/his)

Born in Ireland and raised in Ontario, Canada, Aengus is an artist, teacher, and arts administrator who previously worked for Folk Alliance International, the Ontario Arts Council, Community Futures, and Shelter Valley Productions. He toured North America for a decade as a singer-songwriter, releasing 3 albums, capping his career with a performance at the Kennedy Center. As CEO he is responsible for the long-term growth and development of Swallow Hill’s finances, team, programs, governance, partnerships, and profile. You can find him cycling, fostering cats, and sampling boutique distilleries when not at work.

First Concert: Paul Young

What song could you listen to all day? “The Downeaster ‘Alexa'” by Billy Joel

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Beacon

Jessy Clark

Chief Operating Officer (she/her/hers)

Jessy was born in Denver, and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan before finding her way back to Denver after graduating from college. She has been in nonprofit organizations her entire career, with the last ten focusing specifically on operations. She is responsible for revenue generation, programs, systems and IT, and ensuring the team has what they need in order to be successful. When Jessy isn’t working, she plays golf, camps and travels extensively. She has also learned to play several instruments (guitar, uke and bass) while working at Swallow Hill.

First Concert: Rod Stewart

What song could you listen to all day? “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Bluegrass and Bourbon in Olde Town Arvada

Kome Muller

Chief Financial Officer (she/her/hers)

Kome joined the Swallow Hill team in 2018. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, she discovered her love for music while working for concert promoter Bill Graham Presents doing promotions and public relations for concerts. She transitioned into the art world and managed a gallery in Sausalito, California for seven years. Here, she was introduced to nonprofits when she was asked by the gallery owner to oversee the finances of her animal rescue. After leaving the art gallery, Kome immersed herself in the nonprofit sector by becoming the Finance Manager for a breast cancer and AIDS/HIV organization. Kome moved to Denver from San Francisco in 2016 and was able to combine her passion for music and nonprofit work at Swallow Hill. When she is not working you can find her relaxing at her tiny cabin in the woods, watching her sons play ice hockey and hanging out with her pup named Pickles.

First Concert: Beach Boys

What song could you listen to all day? “Accidente” by Making Movies

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Our tiny cabin in Southern Colorado

Bruce Trujillo

Concert Director (she/her/ella)

Bruce Trujillo is a Chicana from occupied Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapahoe land, in what’s now called Colorado – raised on the Western Slope, and currently in Denver. Bruce has been working in community and public media since 2012, with a mission to work with, and amplify voices of those who are systematically excluded, with a focus on independent and locally made music and art. Bruce’s connections to local and national/international music led her to Swallow Hill Music in 2021, to continue working on providing equitable representation in the live music landscape, focusing on BIPOC, femme, disabled, and 2SLGBTQ+ artists.

At Swallow Hill Music, Bruce oversees the entire Concert Department, booking your favorite shows in the building, creating and maintaining community partnerships that highlight live music, and ensuring all guests – music creators and lovers alike – are excited to come back.

Outside of Swallow Hill, Bruce stays busy checking out live music across the country, hosting her radio shows on Indie 102.3 and other events around town, as well as spending time in community with family and friends (plus 2 very small dogs).

First Concert: NSYNC at Mile High, baby.

What song could you listen to all day? “You’re Dead” by Norma Tanega

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Somewhere in the San Juan Mountains

Tyler Breuer

School & Outreach Director (he/him/his)

Tyler was born and raised in “Denver Rock City” and serves as our School & Outreach Director. In this role, he works with our teachers and staff to develop programming that fulfills the musical needs, wants, and desires of our current and future students to allow them to learn and engage in music. He was led to Swallow Hill through a few of the city’s other wonderful music and social justice nonprofits as well as his allegiance to Old Denver. When not at work, Ty is learning to be a dad, listening to dad rock, and playing in a cumbia dad band.

First Concert: The Rolling Stones

What song could you listen to all day? “Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King'” By Edvard Grieg

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? “Where the zero meets the fifteen”

Heather Howerton

Marketing Director (she/her/hers)

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Heather Howerton is the Director of Marketing at Swallow Hill Music. She oversees marketing, communications, and branding strategies for concerts, classes, and community opportunities for the organization. In previous roles, Heather oversaw marketing, program development and planned events. She has always loved music and was excited to work for an organization where she could bridge her talents and passion. When she isn’t supporting our communication efforts, you can find her out seeing live music, adventuring with her dog Ham, or cooking or baking up new recipes.

What was your first concert? Phish

What song could you listen to all day long? “Can I Kick It” by A Tribe Called Quest

Favorite Denver (or Colorado) hangout? Anywhere on my paddleboard during the nice weather

Brian Hunter

As our Sound Engineer, Brian runs live sound in the Daniels Hall and Tuft Theatre, where he has worked with acts like Tommy Emmanuel, Guy Clark, John Oats and Roger McGuinn. Brian has more than 20 years of experience in the studio and in concert settings. Formally trained in the art of sound recording, he studied music technology at the University of Colorado at Denver, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Industry Studies. Music recorded by Brian can be heard on countless local demo & CD projects, and even on regional radio and Grammy-nominated albums.

Joshua Abeyta

Associate Director, Early Childhood Education (he/him/they/them)

Born in the ancestral, occupied territories of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Ute and many other people now known as Denver, Colorado, Joshua Abeyta is the Associate Director of Early Childhood Education at Swallow Hill. After over a decade as a freelance educator and professional musician, Joshua stepped into this administrative role in 2021. He currently manages a team of 8 instructors and 21 partner schools, while looking to create new partnerships and expand the popular Little Swallows program. When he isn’t at Swallow Hill, you can find him performing as a solo act or with his bands Los Mocochetes and The Xisme. Otherwise, you may find him shooting pool, playing chess or foosball, rooting for the Avalanche, Nuggets, Broncos and, yes, even the Rockies, or plotting his next adventure beyond the horizon.

First Concert: Oddly, an Alan Jackson concert at Bandimere Speedway

What song could you listen to all day? Anything by Anthony Ruptak or The Copper Children

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Wherever the harmonies are

Samuel Boue

Staff Accountant (he/him/his)

Samuel is originally from Abidjan, on the Ivory Coast. His background and experience in finance and accounting and his desire to serve communities brought him to Swallow Hill in 2022. He oversees the daily financial operations and transactions, produces weekly and monthly reports, runs the accounts reconciliations, and handles the general ledger and journal entries. When Samuel is not working, he enjoys spending time with family, playing soccer and basketball at Denver city park. He can also be found traveling and reading.

First Concert: Main Entrée – a Louisiana Band

What song could you listen to all day? “Dadju” by Va Dire A Ton Ex, a French singer

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Denver Botanic Gardens

Kelsy Lartius Miguel

School Program Manager (she/her/hers)

Kelsy grew up in Ames, Iowa and moved to Denver in the Fall of 2016. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Music Business, she started seeking out opportunities in Denver’s music industry and came across Swallow Hill. She started out on our customer service team before becoming the School Programs Manager. In her current role, she manages and supports the school registration system, development of school programs, and ensures that the needs of our students, teachers, and customer service staff are met. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, checking out new breweries (and visiting old favorites), and hanging out in the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

First Concert: As a baby, her dad and aunt’s country rock band, Broken Bow

What song could you listen to all day? “Footsteps in the Dark” by The Isley Brothers

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Any outdoor patio in the sunshine on a 65 degree day (extra points if there’s a mountain view)

David McDaniel

Customer Service Director (he/him/his)

Originally from Gastonia, North Carolina, David became a Denverite in 2003 and has called the DU area home since then. As Customer Service Director, he oversees Swallow Hill’s customer service team, Quinlan Café, volunteer program, and merchandise operations. David was a long-time Swallow Hill patron prior to joining the staff in 2019. Outside of Swallow Hill, David spends his time coaching baseball, skiing, and generally soaking up the outdoors.

First Concert: Matchbox Twenty

What song could you listen to all day? That’s a big commitment to put on paper.

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Salida, CO

Michael John McKee

Michael grew up in Gering, Nebraska listening to fishing boats and cattle. After teaching abroad in China and Honduras, Michael moved to Denver to pursue music. In his role here at Swallow Hill, he manages our wide range of community outreach programs that bring music education and music therapy to the Denver metro region. These programs include, but are not limited to, school assemblies, music therapy, and after-school enrichment classes. Michael spends his spare time in art museums or his garden.

First Concert: Bela Fleck & the Flecktones at Chautauqua Auditorium in 2003

What song could you listen to all day? “Swing Lo Magellan” by Dirty Projectors

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Three Dogs Tavern

Jim McGowan

Facilities Manager (he/him/his)

Jim grew up in Toledo, Ohio, working in the family construction business since he was a kid. With a lifelong love of listening to and playing music, he continued to work in the trades after moving to Denver in 2004 – which was a perfect fit for the role as caretaker of the Swallow Hill building on Yale Avenue. Currently, Jim manages large-scale building renovation projects, takes on small-scale repairs, and occasionally moonlights as a sound engineer and teacher. When not at Swallow Hill, you can find Jim spending time with his partner and kids, at a concert, camping in Utah, or working on old trucks.

First Concert: Steely Dan, Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit Michigan, circa 1991

What song could you listen to all day? “Baby It’s You” by The Shirelles (a Burt Bacharach tune)

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Lakeside Amusement Park

Belle Mason

Belle was born and raised in Denver. She spent six years in Nashville where she studied songwriting and sociology at Belmont University. After graduating in 2020, Colorado called her home and back to Swallow Hill, where she had come to watch her one-man-band uncle play blues since she was a little girl. She is passionate about creating spaces where folks can find belonging, freedom, creativity, and fun, and is using her background in social understanding as the Assistant Customer Service Manager. Day to day, you can find Belle overseeing customer service team operations, scheduling building usage, and getting to know the folks who walk through the door each day. After work, she usually jets off to a yoga class, jogs around one of the many parks in Denver, or spends the evening cooking something yummy.

First Concert: The Jonas Brothers opening for the Cheetah Girls… yup…

What song could you listen to all day? Anything by Remi Wolf, however “Michael” is the favorite

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Fort Greene in Globeville or Bonnie Brae for the best ice cream

Catherine Cecil

Catherine is originally from Fort Collins, Colorado. She grew up in a family where music was ever present, and helped everyone connect with each other and themselves. Prior to Swallow Hill, Catherine has worked in a variety of spaces, including research, government affairs, and other arts nonprofits. She is also a student at the University of Denver. Catherine primarily works at the Front Desk, helping and getting to know students, concert-goers, and whomever else comes through. She also contributes to the administrative day-to-day of the music school and other Swallow Hill programs. When away from work, Catherine enjoys going to live shows, reading, and time spent with her loved ones.

First Concert: Earth, Wind, & Fire

What song could you listen to all day? “Douss” by Yasmine Hamdan

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Bingham Hill Park (Near Fort Collins)

Leah Franks

Customer Service Associate (she/her/hers)

Leah is originally from Kansas City and moved to Denver in 2007 to be closer to the vibrant live bluegrass and Americana scene in this area. She recently left a 15-year career in healthcare to pursue a new journey in the arts and music industry. She has spent many years involved in nonprofit arts and cultural organizations working closely with the City of Louisville, where she currently lives with her husband, to promote funding for cultural activities and live music.

As a Customer Service Associate, Leah assists with school enrollment, day-of concert setup, building management, and general friendly assistance at the front desk. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, knitting, and collecting vinyl bluegrass albums.

First Concert: Whitney Houston

What song could you listen to all day? “Wrecking Ball” by Gillian Welch

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Town Park in Telluride!

Bryan Leavelle

Maintenance Technician (he/him/his)

Originally from Southern California, Bryan moved to Colorado in 2010 and never looked back. He assists Jim in keeping the Swallow Hill building and surrounding property functioning smoothly, fixing what needs repairing, and performing preventative maintenance. Bryan is a lifelong musician, songwriter and audio engineer, and is glad to be able to blend his passion for music with his desire to work with his hands. When not making building improvements at Swallow Hill, Bryan can found performing in one of his bands, photographing wildlife, backpacking, and hanging out with his wife and kids.

First Concert: RX Bandits at The Glasshouse in Pomona, CA

What song could you listen to all day? “Passional” by Ruben Juarez

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Wherever the birds happen to be

Erin Kerns

Cafe Manager (she/her/hers)

Originally from Pennsylvania, Erin moved to Colorado in 2003. She holds multiple degrees, and worked in the restaurant business for 28 years – she now works as a realtor in NW Denver. She loved the restaurant business, but has a deep love for learning. With her background in hospitality and customer service, Erin is well equipped to run the Quinlan Cafe.

Erin has always loved using her hands and creative hobbies. She owns her own business, Kerns Designs, making Macrame plant hangers and wall hangings. Outside of work, you can find her gardening, spending time with her husband Jarett, a bluegrass musician who has taught at Swallow Hill for 9 years, or hanging with her 2 dogs, Mack and Libby.

First Concert: Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch

What song could you listen to all day? Jarett playing anything ❤️

Favorite Denver/Colorado Hangout? Anywhere I am surrounded by friends and family!

Deon Abeyta

Customer Service Associate (he/him/his)

Deon was raised in the heart of Arvada, Colorado and graduated in 2019 with a degree in Fine Arts Animation. Music was a big part of Deon’s family with his brother and other members performing. Though he never picked up playing music (yet), he gained a joy for listening to it, singing along and seeing live shows and appreciates the joy and universal language it brings to cultures and communities.

Working at the front desk, he enjoys meeting & assisting patrons, teachers, and musicians with his approachable presence. He can also be found assisting with classroom or show setups, every day responses to calls and emails, and showing up wherever else he may be needed.

First concert? Lol, either a free Mariah Carey show or Aly & AJ

What song could you listen to all day long? Anything by Arcade Fire or Fall Out Boy

Favorite Colorado hangout? Olde Town Arvada

Allison Fleming

Development Director (she/her/hers)

Before moving to Colorado three years ago from California, Allison served the Reagan Presidential Foundation for six years; from there, she managed the corporate, foundation, and major gift accounts for the United Service Organizations (USO). As Swallow Hill’s Development Director, she leads the development program to drive fundraising success and expand revenue channels while supporting a strong donor and membership program. Allison has a Bachelor of Arts in History from UCLA and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from CSU. During her free time, Allison can be found enjoying a glass of wine with her fiance Shane, trying a new restaurant around town, or spending time with family.

First Concert: Backstreet Boys

What song could you listen to all day? “Great Food” by Joey Pecoraro

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Durango, CO

Administrative Staff

Executive Team

Jessy Clark

Kome Muller

Administration

Samuel Boue

Leah Galvin

Jim McGowan

Andrew Roberts

Meaghan Lillis

Concerts

Shauna Sweeney

David Dugan

Brian Hunter

Andy McQueen

Graham Bryant

Lindsay Temple

Development

Cecile Kerr

Sherise Talbott

Marketing

Tori Barnett

Barry Osborne

Daniel Lorenzo

Music School & Community Outreach

Tyler Breuer

Joshua Abeyta

Michael John McKee

Catherine Cecil

Harry Todd

Patron Experience

David McDaniel

Dakota Nelson

Belle Mason

Katherine Thomas

Patty Jackson

Deon Abeyta

Erin Kerns

Sarah Keller