February 14th marks the one year anniversary of Nick Thrasher’s passing, which goes without saying will be an emotionally trying time for numerous people everywhere, especially in the heart of Denton. Nick was a staple in many of our lives and this Saturday evening a group of his closest friends will be celebrating and honoring his life

This town is something special, if you have yet to take note. Denton is the definition of community, our community members are the definition of love, and everyone’s support is the glue that holds it all together. Nick encouraged all of those around him, and the celebration tomorrow evening will be those giving back in his memory and keeping his spirit alive.

The event starts as a pub-crawl and eventually leads to Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio for live music from Doug Burr, Isaac Hoskins, Huss, She Banshee, and Dj Yeahdef. At 5:00 p.m. folks will meet at Mulberry Street Cantina and then head to Oak Street Draft House at 6:00 p.m. The crowd will migrate to Rubber Gloves around 8:00 p.m.

The crowd will end the night back at Oak Street around midnight “for a fitting homecoming and bookend,” event producer Bryan Walior says.

The kind folks at Oak Street Draft House had some amazing commemorative Keep Denton Thrashing glasses made that will be for sale until they run out beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Thomas Rodgers from Pan Ector created a Keep Denton Thrashing design that will be printed on t-shirts available for sale that evening as well.

“It was very important that nobody was able to use Nick's name, image, or legacy to make a profit,” Walior says. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Denton Animal Support Foundation in Nick’s honor. Walior says they’ve had a lot of help from a bunch of people in the community.

“We've seen an outpouring of support from the Denton community,” Walior says. “That is where John Williams, Courtney Marie, Sara Norman, Thomas Rodgers, Chuck Crosswhite, Mckenzie Smith, Jason Vincent, Lindy Fowler, Michael Potiska, the employees of Rubber Gloves and so many others come into the picture. Denton is full of extremely talented and giving people. I find myself very lucky to know and love many of them.”

Spiderweb Salon produced a Zine that over a dozen different people contributed work toward. Matthew Long did the cover art and Matthew Sallack of Otter Illustrations designed it. Courtney Marie of Spiderweb Salon said that some people were a little hesitant because it was so fresh, and rightfully so. The Zine, titled Keep Denton Thrashing Vol. I, leaves the option open for additional editions. The zine will be available at both Oak Street Draft House and Rubber Gloves.

“This will be a very difficult time,” Brandon Ewing, Keep Denton Thrashing event founder says, “so I believe we can make this community unite and express our love for him.”

“For a period of time, Nick was staying at my house while my roommates and I attempted to start a band,” Ewing began. “He was our biggest supporter, so I propose we put on a show for him. Let us gather other local artists that Nick personally encouraged to help celebrate his life.”

As someone who had not spent one-on-one time with Nick personally, I’ve noticed the relationships those around me had with him; Nick has touched some people that I truly love, and to me that is truly lovely and reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:

It’s hard to believe that it has been an entire year since we’ve seen his friendly face behind the bar at Oak Street Draft House, telling jokes and making everyone in his vicinity laugh. However sad it may be, we must stay strong. We must Keep Denton Thrashing. Come out, enjoy the event tomorrow evening on Nick’s behalf.

By the way, who do we contact at the City for an official Keep Denton Thrashing Day proposal? After all, he will never be forgotten. 

Denton, the answer to what you’re doing Saturday night is clear: “Duh, Party. Idiot."