Meet the Staff at Swallow Hill Music

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

Nancy May

Nancy May served as the Production Manager responsible for advancing all Broadway tours, operas, concerts, ballets, national conventions, and other events for Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Coliseum, Buell Theatre, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and Boettcher Concert Hall.

She also served as Patron Services Manager for The Denver Performing Arts Complex where she advanced all shows and trained Front of House staff, supervised I.A.T.S.E. crews and Yellow Card Shows, and oversaw all load ins/outs. Prior to that she held Line Production and industry management roles in CA, NY, NV, and TN. Most recently she was the Head of Ceremonies for the 2023 Lake Placid Winter University Games.

A graduate of the International Association of Venue Managers, and a member of the Event Safety Alliance, she is a sought-after speaker and subject matter expert on amphitheaters regarding design, operations, and partnerships.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

Daniella Katzir & Casey Cormier

Casey Cormier has been a bassist, guitarist and ukuleleist for twenty five years, performing a variety of musical styles on each instrument as a solo artist as well as in a number of bands and projects. He’s been a teacher of these instruments for over fifteen years, and is dedicated to furthering his student’s studies of the musical craft. Currently, Casey offers classes online as well as in person at Swallow Hill, and co-leads the Ukulele and Percussion Ensemble with Ed Contreras on Wednesday evenings.

Daniella Katzir is a singer-songwriter who was originally inspired by American Folk music of the 60’s. After exploring many genres over the last 25+ years, Katzir now focuses on a unique blend of ukulele and finger-style guitar. Her style is complemented by vocal approaches from the swing era to old motown inspired blues to americana folk, gypsy and sassy jazz. A talented lyricist and musician, Katzir takes rhythmic authority on the guitar. She is the former front-woman of the Boulder-based band Magnolia Row, and has shared the stage with many different nationally and internationally touring artists.

Halau Kalama Hula School

Founded in 2007, by Glenda “Aiwa” Florez, Kalama Polynesian Dancers has been a part of the Colorado community, bringing a mix of traditional and contemporary Polynesian entertainment to a variety of venues and local festivals. Their dancers specialize in dances from the islands of Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa, and New Zealand. They have been featured on local and national events from MTV to Univision and performed in front of celebrities such as Will Smith, John Lithgow, and The Denver Broncos. They have performed in numerous venues throughout Colorado. They provide professional Polynesian dance shows, guaranteed to make you feel as though you’ve traveled to the islands of Polynesia.

Their shows include both male and female dancers, live musicians, Tahitian drummers, fire performers, and fresh flower leis.

Administrative Staff