Name: Tom Collins
Twitter: @thomasjcollins
Website: thomasjcollins.com
What’s your job?
“Director of technology for a curriculum development company.”
Other than your job, what are your claims to fame?
“I was an on-air talent at KS95 in the dust bowl days of the early 90s. I have attached earlobes. They apparently named a gin-based cocktail after me. I was once seated in the Hormel Row of Fame at the Metrodome. Guys are always impressed when I share that fact; women, not so much.”
What’s your relationship status?
“Swingin’ single.”
Where are you most likely to be seen?
“I spend most of my time at the great music clubs in town. First Avenue, the Varsity, the Triple Rock, the Cedar, the Dakota, and others. I love getting lost in the nooks and crannies of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts whenever I have a free weekday afternoon. I spend many nights at Target Field during the summer, and The Depot Tavern keeps me well-fed and hydrated throughout the year.”
Where are you least likely to be seen?
“I tend to avoid large music venues with assigned seats. You get spoiled seeing musicians up close and personal at the smaller clubs in the city, so I typically avoid shows in venues like the State, Orpheum, Target Center, etc.”
With whom are you most likely to be seen?
“I’m usually hanging with my three closest friends. Unfortunately—for me—they’re married or have kids, so that limits the number of evenings they can join me. The live music community in the Twin Cities is wonderfully diverse and active. I’m always amazed at the number of friends I meet at even the smallest, most obscure shows around town. At most shows, I’ll usually be found swapping stories and talking local music with many of the talented music writers and photographers in the Cities including friends Erik Thompson, Kyle Matteson, Pat O’Brien, Stacy Schwartz, Meredith Westin, Leslie Plesser, Erik Hess, Mandy Dwyer, and others.”
Where were you born?
“In my mom’s hometown of Ellendale, North Dakota. I grew up in Oakes, North Dakota.”
Where do you live now?
“Stillwater.”
What’s your ride?
“A 2003 Ford Taurus SES. I add the ‘SES’ because those three letters turn an average-sounding Ford Taurus into something sounding unbelievably cool.”
What’s the best way to start a conversation with you?
“Lean in and whisper, ‘You know, I think I’m the only person in this city who doesn’t get the whole Mumford & Sons thing.’ The worst ways would be: ‘Are your parents Jack Daniels and Bloody Mary?’ ‘Do you sleep in a glass?’ ‘No, seriously, what’s your real name?'”
Photo courtesy Tom Collins
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