Meet the Staff at Swallow Hill Music

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

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Barry Brown

See Barry’s classes and private lessons here.

Voice, Piano

A native son, Barry has been singing, playing piano, and performing since elementary school in Erie, Colorado. He studied piano and voice performance as well as acting at the University of Northern Colorado. He has performed across the U.S., and in Canada and Europe, including on stages across the Front Range like the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. He also performed for 14 years with “Denver’s Premiere Vocal Group,” the 17th Avenue All-Stars. His group was the Official Anthem Singers of the Denver Broncos for 2 seasons, singing every home game. When he’s not performing or teaching, you can see his work at the Denver Paper Fashion Show (4-time consecutive winner), and at Silver Dollar City in Branson Missouri as their (National Award Winning) “Master Pumpkin Carver.”

First Concert: Andre Crouch and the Disciples

What song could you listen to all day long? Anything by the crooners from the big band era, as well as “newcomers” Harry and Michael.

Favorite hangout? Wherever there is good food and great friends!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? One of my favorite Swallow Hill things is to give accompaniment and back up singing for my students who dare to perform in public. Also for those who perform in musical theater shows or with their band/vocal group on stage. It’s so great to see them grow their confidence and power up their belief in what they want to do with their music. Then, to support them while they are on stage, in front of an audience, giving what they have to give! Exhilarating for both themselves and myself! It’s THE BEST!

Virginia Lynn Anderson

See Virginia’s classes here.

Voice, Piano (Simply Music Method)

Virginia was born in Colorado and grew up on a dairy farm near Fort Lupton. Virginia was a music educator in the public school system when music and arts programs were being reduced – she then started teaching for Swallow Hill in 2000. For 21 years she has taught guitar to adults and children 7 and up. More recently her focus has been on teaching piano and voice – she also plays and teaches the recorder and the modern lyre.

Outside work, Virginia can be found traveling the world by rail and ship with her retired railroad engineer and dockworker husband. She likes to be outdoors – gardening, hiking, biking, swimming, or horseback riding – whenever possible.

First concert? An orchestral concert conducted by Antonia Brico

What’s a song you could listen to all day long? Down By the Riverside

Favorite Colorado hangout? My home!

What’s your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite thing about Swallow Hill is sitting in a circle with people and sharing songs together. So many memories of great song moments have been had this way.

Spencer Crawford

See Spencer’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Accordion, Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele

Spencer Erik Crawford is from Northeast Kansas. He started teaching music in 2006 back in his hometown of Topeka, while attending Washburn University. In 2014, while he was teaching lessons at music stores and schools in Denver he was recruited by other teachers to join Swallow Hill. He teaches strings, keys/piano, and accordion, and tailors lesson plans to each student based on their skill level and musical interests. When Spencer is not teaching music, he enjoys performing solo or with his bands, That Damn Sasquatch, and the Spencer Erik Crawford Band. He also enjoys listening to music and hanging out with his family and friends.

First concert? B.B. King

What song could you listen to all day long? “A Love Supreme” – the whole album

Favorite Colorado hangout? Most bars and clubs, I’m not picky!

What’s your favorite Swallow Hill memory? When Buckwheat Zydeco played at Swallow Hill in 2014

Casey Cormier

See Casey’s classes here.

Casey grew up in Colorado but moved to New Jersey for middle and high school. He received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Hartford in Connecticut, performing in jazz and rock groups on the east coast in the years following until moving back to Colorado in 2012. He teaches ukulele for Swallow Hill but also plays guitar as well as electric and upright bass. When not teaching or performing, he can be found hiking, skiing, or jamming.

First concert? The Who, Quadrophenia Tour, 1997

What song could you listen to all day long? “Zebra” by Beach House

Favorite Colorado hangout? Mission Ballroom for great live shows in Denver!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? Swallow Hill is the best music community in Denver. From classes to concerts, festivals to jam sessions, there’s always something fun happening. My favorite is the annual Denver Ukefest, where touring artists, teachers, and enthusiasts come together to celebrate the mighty ukulele each year!

Shauna Sweeney

Event Coordinator (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

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!

Barry Osborne

Community Marketing Manager (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.

Deborah Collins

See Deborah’s classes here and private lessons here.

Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Songwriting

As a teen growing up in rural Michigan, Deborah wrote music, played in a rock band, and sang in choirs. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education from MSU Denver, and has taught at Swallow Hill since 2014. She specializes in teaching voice (any level in any genre) and guitar (especially beginner-intermediate rhythm guitar). Deborah also teaches songwriting, music theory, and beginner ukulele. Deborah is great for tentative learners because she is friendly and positive. She strives to make each lesson fun, stress-free, and customized to your personal goals. Deborah works with all ages. She is currently a member of the indie band, The Deborah Solo Trio, and is the parent of two young kids.

First Concert: The first concert Deborah attended was Guster in 1999, when she was a freshman in high school. Her older sister drove her and her friends all the way to Detroit to see Guster open for a much bigger band. They made posters and T-shirts and the people working there let them run down to the front since hardly anyone else had arrived early enough to see the first opening band.

What song could you listen to all day long? “In a River” by Rostam; Deborah even learned some chords on the mandolin just to play along with it.

Favorite hangout? Deborah loves to take a yearly trip to Lake Michigan to visit her family at the cottage her grandparents built in the 1950s. It’s awesome to take her kids there because that’s where she spent her summers as a kid, too.

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? Deborah’s favorite Swallow Hill memories are when her students have had those great breakthrough moments. She also loves participating in the annual Teacher Feature concert, and getting to share the stage with all the amazing musicians who teach at Swallow Hill.

Jason McIntyre

See Jason’s classes here and private lessons here.

Guitar, Songwriting, Ukulele, Mandolin, Dobro

I came to songwriting early. When I picked up a guitar as an adolescent, I was more interested in creating my own material than covering what was on radio and MTV. While The Beatles and Beach Boys were formative bands for me, The Band became a favorite as well and they helped open a new door to me of Americana and roots-based music. Like the lyrics of a song, I’ve traveled extensively and the music has always gone with me.

As a teacher, I focus on acoustic folk and blues music, but I teach other genres including bluegrass, rock, and country. Whether it’s songwriting, guitar or uke playing, or in an ensemble setting, I guide students to develop their musical skills in an approachable and conversational style.

Ernie Martinez

See Ernie’s private lessons here.

Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Lap Steel, Pedal Steel

In the classroom, Ernie Martinez inspires a multitude of generations learning bluegrass and country, from beginners to advanced pickers and singers.

A Swallow Hill Faculty Member for 40 years, he is an extremely versatile musician who plays just about any instrument that has strings, and more. Ernie started playing piano in elementary school but got his start playing guitars and drums in late 60s garage bands. In 1971, while he was in junior high, upon hearing “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “Dueling Banjos”, Ernie took to the banjo, followed by the mandolin, resonator, and Dobro. In 1974 Ernie started his first bluegrass band, the Off the Wall Gang, and picked up the fiddle, piano, bass, and pedal steel a couple years later, becoming the leading go-to utility performer in Colorado, both live and in the studio. With over four decades on the live scene, Ernie has played with Tom Paxton, John McEuen, Jimmy Ibbotson, and countless others.. In 2013 he took third place in the RockyGrass Band contest with Camptown.

In the studio, Ernie has been on over 150 albums in Colorado and in Nashville, and is in demand as an album producer, songwriter, and arranger. He’s also released three albums of his own original work.

Ernie plays regularly with Runaway Express, Jon Chandler, Dakota Blonde, Timothy P. Irvin and the Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers, Reckless Abandon, Dustin Devine and the Real Deal, and Junction 5-12. Heis a member of the International Western Music Association having won instrumentalist of the year in 2018. In April 2019, Ernie made the cover of the Spring issue of Western Way.

Roy Willey

See Roy’s classes here.

Voice, Audio Production

Roy Willey was born an improviser. He loved creating music from a young age, but it wasn’t until his late 40’s that he stumbled upon Circle Singing, a group improvisational singing practice that immediately felt like coming home. He quit his day job to study with some of the top names in the improv world, including Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, and Meredith Monk, while also studying the art of community building through song. He currently teaches introductory singing, improv singing, and live looping, and he leads Circle Singing and the Swallow Hill Community Chorus. As a Colorado native, you can find him hiking or gardening at home in the Lakewood neighborhood where he grew up.

First Concert: Van Halen — 1979, Balch Fieldhouse, Boulder

What song could you listen to all day long? Depends on the day. Van Morrison’s Into the Mystic is a safe bet.

Favorite hangout? Denver Botanic Gardens

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? It’s the very definition of a music community. I love that any time I walk into the building, I find people of every age group, learning everything from Ukulele, to Tabla, to Blues Harp.

Christy Wessler

See Christy’s current classes here.

Voice

Christy is originally from Hyde Park, New York, where she began her professional singing career as a folk singer. She studied classical voice for six years and began teaching voice in 2000, which brought her to Swallow Hill. She teaches voice, harmony and performance. When she is not working, she spends time hiking, traveling, and attending her grandkids games.

First Concert: Judy Collins

What song could you listen to all day long? “Carmina Burana” by O Fortuna

Favorite hangout? Swallow Hill of course!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite thing about Swallow Hill is the music relationships I have formed. Learning, performing, sharing, teaching with people who love music.

Paul Trunko

See Paul’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Guitar, Electric Bass, Harmonica

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, longtime Swallow Hill teacher Paul Trunko started here as a staff member and then moved to teaching while performing in the area music scene. He’s a past and sometimes member of bands like Papa Juke, Shakedown Street, One Kind Favor, The Keepers, Quickdraw, and currently performs with Stef Kull in a piano/guitar duo. Paul teaches Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Beginning Harmonica and Electric Bass in a variety of genres including rock, blues, bluegrass, and folk. When not teaching you can find Paul working in his home studio, managing cartoon band Jammy Man, or riding his e-bike up and down the hills in Golden.

First Concert: Natural Gas, Gary Wright, Peter Frampton – 1976?

What song could you listen to all day long? With A Little Help From My Friends – Joe Cocker

Favorite hangout? Any Mexican Restaurant

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? Teachers Concerts

Amy Sweetin

Music Therapy, Instructor of Guitar, Voice

Board Certified Music Therapist | professional certificate in Neurologic Music Therapy | vocalist, guitarist, pianist

Teaching style: Amy strongly believes in the power of music to provide healing and growth to all people in all stages of life.

Todd Strandberg

Drum Set, Percussion

See Todd’s private lessons here.

Michael Stanwood

See Michael’s classes here.

Autoharp, Didjeridu, Guitar

Lover of world music | Swallow Hill outreach instructor | folk-fusion inspiration | toured Southeast Asia | autoharp master

Teaching style: With a relaxed style, Michael believes teaching is about empowering students through their own creativity. He believes real leaps happen when the students love the sound of their chosen instrument and are learning songs or music they love.

Matt Skellenger

See Matt’s classes here.

Electric Bass, Drum Set, Guitar, Music Theory, Percussion, Piano/Keyboard

Born and raised in Denver, Matt has been composing, performing, recording, and teaching in Colorado for 30 years. He earned a B.A. in Music from Metro State University in 2002 where he studied with the great Ron Miles. Matt has also studied with world renowned bassist and educator, Victor Wooten. Wanting to share his musical experiences with more people, Matt began teaching at Swallow Hill in 2008. He teaches Electric Bass, Guitar, Jazz Ensembles, Music Theory, Little Swallows, Kids Guitar, Piano and Drums. He customizes lessons to each students’ interests, goals, and skill level. Matt focuses on playing by ear, music theory, chord charts, tablature, and standard notation. When Matt is not teaching, he is playing his bass, watching sports, and enjoying time with his family.

First Concert: The Warlock Pinchers at The Gothic Theater (before the remodel) circa 91-92

What song could you listen to all day long? “Unconditional” – Ron Miles

Favorite hangout? Local 46

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I love the community at Swallow Hill, and I love the flexibility we have as instructors to teach a wide variety of ages, subjects, and classes.

Josie Quick

See Josie’s classes here.

Teaching style: Having fun is a big priority, along with exposing students to different genres of fiddle music, with an overarching goal to fit fiddle into an ensemble.

Elyse Midgyett

Sign up for private lessons with Elyse here.

Voice

Elyse was born and raised in Denver, and has worked in marketing and at the front desk at Swallow Hill. Now, in a teaching role and with some experience under her belt, it has brought her to this next step, as a private instructor at Swallow Hill. She has also been involved in the Denver music scene since 2017 as a regular performer in many different groups. She teaches versatile singing within a multitude of genres, and can teach basic music theory. When she isn’t working, you can find her caring for plants, enjoying the outdoors, or trying to plan a good vacation.

First Concert:

What song could you listen to all day long? Be OK by Samoht

Favorite hangout? Lowry Beer Garden

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite things about Swallow Hill is it’s dedication to delivering high quality music to the masses and live music opportunities it shares with it’s employees. When I was on the marketing team I was able to attend every show in the botanic garden series and one beautiful evening, Judy Collins washed over the entire garden with her stunning folk voice in a rendition of Danny Boy and I couldn’t help but shed tears. It was so quiet as everyone around was in pure awe of the beauty. I was so glad to be apart of that.

Kristen McSorley

See Kristen’s classes and program offerings here.

Music Therapist

Originally from Pittsburgh, Kristen received her Master’s Degree in Music Therapy from Slippery Rock University, and moved around the country before settling in Denver in 2022. She’s practiced music therapy since 2014, and has worked with clients of all ages and abilities, from infants in neonatal intensive care to elders in hospice. Her clinical specialties include: mental health, neurodivergent children and adults, medical, survivors of trauma, and wellness. As a clinician, she strives to cultivate an affirming space where clients can be and express however they need to in the moment — building upon their unique interests and strengths to support their health through music. Kristen offers individual music therapy sessions through the school, and also hosts First Friday’s free music therapy drop-in groups. In addition to her work with the school, she’s a Little Swallows early childhood music instructor and offers music therapy and therapeutic music lessons as part of Swallow Hill’s outreach team at the VA Hospital, The Gathering Place, senior communities, and more. Outside of work, Kristen enjoys hiking, songwriting, and spending time with her cat and black lab.

First Concert: Fountains of Wayne

What song could you listen to all day long? Night Shift – Lucy Dacus

Favorite hangout? Mt. Falcon park for an easy hike near Denver!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I love the supportive community at Swallow Hill. I always feel like my coworkers and the administrative staff care about my wellbeing and success at work. Swallow Hill feels like an organization that is truly committed to their mission and puts energy towards improving the health of our Colorado community through access to the arts.

LaDamion Massey

See LaDamion’s classes here and private lessons here.

University of Northern Colorado | B.M.E from Metropolitan State University | Opera Performance | Vocal Jazz I Et Cetera | Groovesociety: “Best Vocal Group of the Year”, “Best A Cappella Album” and “Best A Cappella Song” by the JPF International Music Awards | Director of SolPhase and Spirituals Project Community Choir | Sung with gospel legends such as Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Winans, Dorinda Clark, and more

As a performer, LaDamion has a passion for singing gospel, jazz and funk. He can be seen performing occasionally with the Atomic Brass Project and The Motet.

Jarett Mason

See Jarett’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Mandolin, Fiddle/Violin, Guitar, Ukulele

Teaching style: Jarett plays and offers theory-based instruction on several instruments including mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and ukulele.

Anna Leavitt

See Anna’s classes here and her private lessons here.

Cello

Originally from Baton Rouge, Anna Leavitt has a Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance from Louisiana State University, a Masters from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. She’s also done post graduate work in Suzuki Pedagogy books 1-5, and is currently a registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas and teaches cello here at Swallow Hill. When not at work, Anna can be found hiking or cooking. She likes reading histories about ancient Egypt, the Reformation, and Medieval archaeology.

First Concert: The Waverly Consort, an ensemble of period (Renaissance and pre-Renaissance) instruments.

What song could you listen to all day long? My grandson singing “Happy Birthday.”

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Logan Coffee at Stanley Marketplace

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I remember when one of our cello classes played “Radioactive” and for three minutes, our cello players were rock stars!

Stef Kull

See Stef’s classes here and her private lessons here.

Teaching Style: Stef combines traditional music education concepts and theory with a lot of improvisation, especially in rock, folk, and blues styles.

Clay Kirkland

See Clay’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Harmonica

Clay Kirkland hails from Macon, Georgia. He got into teaching music to help people live their dreams of making music. When he is not at Swallow Hill, you can find him on the Kirkland Brothers Farm, walking through “Clay’s Eighty Acres” of wooded acreage, lake, and a creek. Wherever he may be, he is working on making plans for a harmonica and music school and meditation retreat. When he is not teaching or performing, you can find him developing a community garden behind the apartment building where he lives, or in the vegetable gardens and fruit orchards at the farm.

First Concert: The Animals, 1966

What song could you listen to all day long? “El Parana”, Gato Barbieri, on his “Under Fire” album, with a young, amazing Stanley Clarke, et.al.; “The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady”, Charles Mingus; “Wintertime”, Richard Reed and Clay Kirkland

Favorite hangout? Clay’s Eighty Acres

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? Spending a year and more than a hundred hours planning the annual “Beat the Reaper Concert” to celebrate his birthday, playing the show, and listening to the recording.

Daniella Katzir

See Daniella’s classes here.

Guitar, Piano/Keyboard, Songwriting, Ukulele

Born in Israel and raised in New Jersey, Daniella is a musician teaching her 25+ years of skills to ukulele enthusiast students at Swallow Hill, as well as Little Swallows. She has a B.A. in music from Naropa University. Playing music led her to Swallow Hill, where she fell in love with the community and decided she wanted to start teaching in 2012. She believes learning should be fun, so she chooses material relatable to her students. When she isn’t at Swallow Hill, she’s playing shows with her band, hiking in the mountains, playing fetch with her dog, or cooking up a feast for friends in the kitchen!

First Concert: It was either The Manhattan Transfer or Buster Poindexter. She was so young she can’t remember! But she remembers these were the two.

What song could you listen to all day long? O-o-h Child by The Five Stairsteps

Favorite hangout? Any beautiful beach!

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I have many great memories to look back on over the years but hosting and performing at Swallow Hill’s Ukulele Festival is up there along with bringing my band into the building!

Chad “Chadzilla” Johnson

See Chad’s classes here.

Drum Set, Percussion, House of Rock

Teaching style: Chad focuses on reading, ear training, ensemble playing, and improvisation. Teaching genres include soul, R&B, rock, jazz, folk, funk, and punk.

Thomas Jennings

See Thomas’s classes here.

Guitar

Thomas Jennings is originally from Ipswich, Massachusetts, with a B.M. in jazz guitar performance from Lamont School of Music. While gigging and touring are wonderful, teaching is a special part of his career. Sharing in the joy of accomplishment with students is something he can’t get enough of. He teaches guitar in various genres and styles, music theory, and technology classes. He specializes in the creative and spontaneous relationship we have with our instruments. Other activities he loves include coffee, photography, and tinkering with computers.

First Concert: B.B. King! at the North Shore Music Theater in Beverly, MA. That theater is in the round and the stage slowly rotates for the entire performance.

What song could you listen to all day? “Love U Like The Sun In June” by Ryan Scott

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Queen City Coffee Collective on 1st and Cherokee in Baker neighborhood

Mike Jagel

See Mike’s classes here.

Scruggs Style (3-finger), bluegrass, folk, and Clawhammer Banjo

Teaching style: The objective is for students to have skills and tools to play music with others. Mike focuses on building repertoire of songs, playing/singing both lead and back-up, using tablature, basic chord theory, and ear training. Genres for Mike’s lessons include bluegrass, folk, country, western, blues, and rock.

Willie Jaeger

See Willie’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Mountain Dulcimer, Hammered Dulcimer

Mountain dulcimer wizard and vocalist Willie Jaeger takes what is often thought of as a “simple” folk instrument and discovers its complexity. He strums, he fingerpicks, he flatpicks, he plays lead, and recently he’s been experimenting with electric dulcimer. His unique style of playing, and his popularity as a teacher at the renowned Swallow Hill School of Music, inspired Westword, Denver’s alternative weekly, to vote him Denver’s “Best Local Folkie.” He was a finalist (Silver) in the national mountain dulcimer championship at Winfield, Kansas, and in 2009 he won a Gold Medal for Best Original Instrumental Composition at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. An engaging singer with a lyrical baritone, he also plays hammered dulcimer and guitar, and composes instrumentals and the occasional song.

Melissa Ivey

See Melissa’s private lessons here.

Guitar, Ukulele, Voice, Audio Production, Bass Guitar

Melissa is a self-taught artist and an award-winning Singer/Songwriter and educator from Denver. Her musical journey began in the Bay Area punk scene, grew in Colorado’s songwriting circles, and continues in performances worldwide as well as in the classroom. Melissa works with musicians and artists of any level and welcomes femme students searching for support in singing, songwriting, guitar, bass and production.

Casey Hrdlicka

See Casey’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Electric Bass, Guitar, Music Theory, Piano/Keyboard, Ukulele, Mandolin

Originally from Arvada, Casey began playing guitar at age 11. As he dove deeper into music, he realized his calling was teaching other people what he had learned along the way. Casey teaches guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, mandolin, music theory, and various ensemble classes. As a teacher, he likes to focus on developing a firm understanding of rhythm, harmony, and how the instrument itself works. He is open to teaching any musical style/technique that the student is interested in. Outside of work, Casey enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, being outdoors, and playing chess.

First Concert: The first concert Casey remembers attending was the Guess Who in 1994.

What song could you listen to all day long? “Into The Fire” by Deep Purple

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? His favorite hangout would probably be a vacant trail deep in the mountains.

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite thing about Swallow Hill is that everyone who comes here all share a love for music.

Jen Hitt

See Jen’s classes here and her private lessons here.

Recording Software, Songwriting, Voice

Jen grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and has been singing in choirs since they could talk. They have studied opera, composition and studio recording in college, and learned to play some campfire guitar along the way. Jen leads the Women of Folk and Fireside Folk ensembles, and offers private lessons in voice, songwriting, or recording. With one foot in the classical world and the other in the folk world, Jen emphasizes technique as well as emotion while teaching so that students can learn more about formal music theory while also learning to rely on their ear to create a great performance. Jen loves hiking, eggs, yoga, in-season tomatoes, community, dreams, and cheese. Currently, they sing with St. Martin’s Chamber Choir and various churches and synagogues, and produce radio for Colorado Public Radio. Amphibious Heart is Jen’s most recent release, a full length studio album of original songs.

First Concert: The truth is Michael W. Smith with my Jr. High Youth Group, but can I just say The Meat Puppets & Blind Melon show I went to in High School?

What song could you listen to all day long? One song is hard, but I could loop Bjork’s album Homogenic all day long.

Favorite hangout? Long Table Brewhouse, Pablo’s on E Colfax

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? It’s really fun to come together with people in the community to make music. Seeing groups bond and grow as musicians and friends is so rewarding. By the end of the session things are sounding great, there’s so much joy in the music!

Julia Hays

See Julia’s classes here and her private lessons here.

Fiddle/Violin

Julia Hays is from a family of musicians in the Boston area. She first learned to play in a couple of music festivals. While in Colorado, she fell in love with the mountains and decided to stay. Her professional playing has included everything from symphony and opera orchestras to western trios, a few Celtic bands, and her own jazz combos. In folk ensembles, she has played in the Denver area, at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, the Old Town School in Chicago, and in Kerrville, Texas. She spends most of her time teaching these days and loves it, but still keeps her hand in playing with a number of contra dance bands that perform in Denver and along the Front Range.

First Concert: The first Colorado concert: Red Rocks. The bill included Dr. John and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band along with a host of others

What song could you listen to all day long? Joao Bosco: Incompatibilidade de Genios, 2006 live dvd

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? The people I meet.

Caleb James Hall

See Caleb’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Fiddle, Clawhammer Banjo

Originally from Denver, Caleb started out at Swallow Hill in the Quinlan Café as the Bar Manager. Then a mixture of luck and the right timing led him to teaching beginner fiddle and taking over the core clawhammer banjo classes. While he currently lives outside of Colorado, you can catch him virtually teaching students across the country through his role with Swallow Hill. When he is not working, he can be found around a table of friends playing Dungeons and Dragons.

First Concert: Red Hot Chili Peppers with Stone Temple Pilots at Fiddler’s Green

What song could you listen to all day long? “Love and Chains” by Vivian Leva and RIley Calcagno

Favorite hangout? St Mark’s Coffee shop/Thin Man

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I love the community!

Martin Gilmore

See Martin’s classes here.

Star Edwards

See Star’s classes here and her private lessons here.

Celtic Harp, Songwriting

Originally from New York, Star grew up on Florida’s west coast, where sand, surf, and a handy guitar playing Joan Baez and Bob Dylan tunes helped her wait out the hot summers. She started playing harp in 1983, and now teaches beginner to intermediate Celtic harp, Celtic Harp Ensemble, songwriting, and more. She likes to teach improvisation alongside note reading for playing harp. Her style is a progressive, one step at a time process, building confidence with each song and technique. When not playing music, Star leads an international dream work group.

First Concert: Paul Revere & The Raiders!

What song could you listen to all day? Rock and Roll Girls by John Fogerty

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg

Ed Contreras

See Ed’s classes here.

Percussion

A Denver native, Ed has been playing World drums, drum kit, and percussion for over 50 years in various bands and ensembles. His music covers everything from folk, jazz, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, African, Flamenco, Brazilian, Eastern European and Middle Eastern styles. He enjoys teaching and found Swallow Hill to be the perfect place to educate folks about the power and spirituality of music. He teaches World hand drums, such as congas, djembe, cajon, drum kit, and various percussion instruments from many ethnic musics. He loves the outdoors, especially the Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah wilderness. He also is a student of spirituality, and loves reading and watching movies.

First Concert: His first major concert was the progressive rock band Yes at the Denver Coliseum, performing their Tales from Topographic Oceans tour.

What song could you listen to all day long? “You Are” by Pat Metheny

Favorite hangout? Mom & Pop breakfast places, and lots of places outdoors

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? My favorite memories are performing at the Teacher Feature Concerts, watching my son Josiah teach elementary school kids at the summer camps, and working with the Swallow Hill Choir when my wife was the director.

Nic Clark

See Nic’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Harmonica, Guitar

Nic Clark is a Harmonicist born and raised in Colorado. Growing up Nic wasn’t as interested in hanging with his friends as much as he was with his family’s music collection. Whether it was listening to Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye with his Mom, or Hound dog Taylor with his dad, Nic always had a love for older American music. Nic got his first set of harmonicas on his 12th birthday, and soon began going to local jams and sitting in with some of Colorado’s most prominent Blues acts including The Delta Sonics, Johnny Long, Lionel Young, and Dan Trenor and Afrosippi. In 2010, he became one of the youngest musicians ever to be endorsed by Hohner Harmonicas.

Some of Nic’s accomplishments include “Favorite Harmonica” at the Colorado Blues Society Member’s Choice Awards (2017, 2015, and 2014), And a finalist at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN (2012, and 2014).

Nic has been fortunate enough to share the stage with many great roots musicians including John Nemeth, Jason Ricci, Lonnie Brooks, Billy Branch, Rick Estrin and The Nightcats, And Big Head Todd and The Monsters.

David Thomas Bailey

See David’s classes here and his private lessons here.

Colorado | M.M. in Jazz Studies | member of Man vs. Village | performed with Howard Alden and Joe Giglio | workshops for Jefferson County Public Schools

Teachings style: David’s specialty is teaching formal composition and improvisation to children and teens.

Liat Arochas

See Liat’s classes here, and her private lessons here.

Guitar, Songwriting, Ukulele, Voice

Liat is originally from South Jersey, right outside of Philadelphia. While teaching preschool after moving to Denver, she was approached to become an outreach instructor at Swallow Hill, where she had always wanted to work. Although she now lives in Palisade, she teaches virtual classes in voice, guitar, ukulele, beginner piano, and songwriting/production. When she is not working, you can find her doing sound healings and running her business, Wake the Voice, where she blends her background in speech therapy, yoga, singing, and songwriting. You can also find her performing solo as Liat and the Sirens or with her band DARKARTS (based in Denver).

First concert? Sarah Brightman. I was obsessed with her album DIVE. A true siren.

Favorite hangout? Fruita, CO

What is your favorite thing about Swallow Hill, or your favorite Swallow Hill memory? I used to do Instrument Petting zoos and Ukulele strum alongs. I taught outreach for a while before COVID hit. My heart always felt so warm after the family ukulele strum alongs at the Children’s Museum in Denver. Everyone was always in a great mood because they were trying something new with their families! Talk about bonding time!

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”

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

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!

Amy L. Howard

Associate Concert Director (they/them/theirs)

Amy Lyn Howard originally hails from Rochester, NH. They have had a career anchored in justice, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion, recently transitioning from a 16-year career in higher education in 2021, and are currently a full-time PhD candidate in the Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture program at Michigan Technological University. Amy is invested in the amplification of BIPOC, Queer, and Disabled artists within the Folk tradition. In Amy’s role as Associate Concert Director, they assist with background work to ensure shows happen with ease while also booking artists and producing concerts. Outside of their career and school pursuits, you can find Amy at a live music event, adventuring with their pup Wheezy F Baby, tinkering with one of 300 half-done art projects, road tripping across the US, or in their garden growing approximately too many vegetables.

First Concert: Bad Company with my mom in the 90s

What song could you listen to all day? “Everybody” by Mac Miller

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Fort Greene for drinks with pals; Akihabara Arcade for a fun late night out; hi-dive is my favorite venue besides Swallow Hill; 3 Girasoles for the best pupusas for take-out; the Historic Five Points neighborhood for street art; and my house because I love my new house ☺

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

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)

Tracey Nguyen

Café Manager/Customer Service Associate (she/her/hers)

Tracey is a Colorado native. She went to school to pursue studies in music, which she brings with her to Swallow Hill, alongside her love for community work and the concert industry. She wears multiple hats here that include managing Quinlan Cafe and our bar staff, supporting our merch program from design to sale, and supporting patron needs through her customer service. Outside of work, you can find her at a concert, the most fly-on-the-wall restaurants, or at home cooking soup and listening to the hottest tunes.

First Concert: Wonder Girls and 2PM @ Gothic Theatre 2012

What song could you listen to all day? “Mulberry Street” by Twenty One Pilots

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Tivoli Brewery on UCD campus!

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

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

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

Patty Jackson

Originally from central N.Y., Patty Jackson has called Westminster her home for the past 20 years. As the Volunteer Manager, Patty recruits, orients, trains, oversees the 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, Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and Activity Director with Seniors in Long Term Care Facilities. 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, singing in the Boulder Women’s Chorus, teaching a mighty band of ukulele and guitar players, playing board games, cooking, reading, playing with her bands in coffeehouses and bars, woodworking and attending live music events.

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

Lily Black

Membership & Individual Giving Manager (she/her/hers)

Lily was born and raised in North Carolina and moved to Colorado with her partner in 2019. She graduated UNC Asheville with a degree in Music Business. While at UNCA Lily worked as the Director of External Affairs at the student-run radio station, Blue Echo, booking and organizing concerts as well as an annual 25 band music festival. She has also worked in a variety of roles at numerous venues and festivals such as ARISE Festival (CO), Pot of Gold (AZ), Southland Ballroom (NC), and Red Hat Amphitheater (NC).

Lily manages all Swallow Hill Music membership related duties, donations, and development centered events. Outside of here, you can find her at home with her two cats, at a local concert, or on a (short and scenic) hike. She also enjoys practicing guitar, making collages and drawing, watching films, and playing video games.

First Concert: Weezer

What song could you listen to all day? Currently it is ‘Art-i-ficial’ by X-Ray Spex.

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? HQ and Dry Dock Brewing

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

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)

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favorite Denver/Colorado hangout? Golden Gate Canyon for hiking

Administrative Staff