JAM SESSION

JAM SESSION by

by Author Suzi Mitchell

Words to Live By THE NICK WOULD FOUNDATION SET TO INSPIRE A NEW WAVE OF WRITERS AND MUSICIANS NICK SIMON COULD HUM a tune before he could talk. At the tender age of five, he hopped on a stage at his father’s work Halloween social and sang every word of “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” unplanned and uninhibited. Music simply flowed through his veins.

Photos courtesy of Simon Familly

Art with Altitude

Winter 2023

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Born and raised in Steamboat Springs, the Routt County all the things he’d written until after he’d died.” His lyrics were native lost his life in a car accident during a surfing trip to New inspired by observations and feelings toward life and the natural Zealand at age 25 in fall 2022. He left behind a cavernous void for world, written during camping trips to Santa Barbara, river trips his parents Dan and Sarah, and sister Natalie, along with a sea of in Colorado, driving through the desert or being in his beloved close friends and family.

Yampa Valley. Each song was shared personally with those who Energized by life more than had been in his company. most, Nick lived many lifeTo honor Nick’s memory and times in one, and bequeathed continue his loving legacy toa gift that would become the ward life, the family, along with greatest source of comfort to a handpicked group of close all who long for his presence friends, formed The Nick Would —his voice through poetry ­ Foundation. The intent of the and song. organization is to establish opNick was known by many portunities by removing barriers for his athletic prowess and for people to access the thrill of love of travel. He was a hockoutdoor sport, wildland exploey player, big mountain skier, ration and artistic development. rafter, surfer, mountain bikThe foundation kicked off its arts er, kayaker and climber. He goal in June 2023 with sponsorbackpacked through Europe, ship of the Greyboy Allstars’ took a three-month NOLS performance at the Free Concert course in the Himalayas and Series in Steamboat Springs. “It did a stint in Alaska as a comwas a way of sharing music with mercial fisherman. everyone in the community,” said What many did not realize Dan. was the Cal-Poly graduate’s Nick loved folk and Americana talent for the written word, music, picking up a guitar, ukuLogo design by Dom McLeod, domfishdeseigns.com and his ability to pick up a lele, harmonica or playing the menagerie of instruments piano to share a tune. The Simons and learn to play by ear. “It was probably his greatest talent of all,” hope the foundation will enable others to foster a love of music Sarah says. “He left many journals and we can feel so connected and the arts by providing instruments or creative opportunities to Nick any minute of the day by reading these pages filled with not currently available. The first album in Nick’s name is availhis poetry and songs.” able on Spotify and all proceeds will benefit the foundation and Family members are not the only ones to experience his life enhance a beautiful legacy. through lyrics. Nick was known for bringing his guitar on any road trip. “Folks relied on him for music around the campfire,” ELEVATE THE ARTS: Visit nickwould.com/music to listen to Dan shares with a soft smile. After Nick’s passing, over 50 of Nick’s original album and learn more about The Nick Would his personally written songs came to light. “Not one of us knew Foundation. SM

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Winter 2023

Art with Altitude

CONCERTS • EDUCATION • COMMUNITY Holiday Concert December 1 at 7pm December 2 at 2pm & 7pm

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