Rick's Cafe deceased

Next day update: While not the most well written eulogy, I still stand by my words. Feel free to add your feelings below.

I'm going to be completely straight with you folks --- I am not in the proper state of mind to be addressing this --- but at the same time it seems appropriate because I just arrived home after a wonderful night of Madison music (and many glasses of Lake Louie's Milk Stout). I meant to briefly check my email and I found the below press release from Rick's Cafe and to be completely honest, my heart is absolutely broken. Rick is a treasure to not just the Madison music scene, but to the community as a whole. Rick and Rick's Cafe was a great inspiration in the foundation of Dane101 for wanting to build a website that showed a deep appreciation of everything Madison has to offer - especially music. I truly felt a kinship with Rick Tvedt in all of the discussions we had over coffee as we both ventured forth in our mediums of independence and little budget, both realizing the importance of working together for the betterment of this scene instead of getting swamped in the bullshit of competition that so often suffocates. It seriously pains me deep inside to report this. I just want to thank Rick, Kiki, Tim, Amanda, Blunt, and all of the contributors to this amazing monthly publication that cared so much for the community. And Rick, good luck with the MAMAs and most importantly, I hope this offers you the time you need to spend with that new bundle of bliss that entered your life nearly half a year ago. More tomorrow and I apologize for the unfocused blogging but this is a great loss to Madison...press release below the fold.

Declining revenues and uncollectible accounts have put me in a position where I can no longer afford to produce a printed newspaper.

The last four years and one month have been very special for me. Above all the recognition that Rick’s Café has achieved, I will miss the intimate conversations I have had with Madison’s artists the most; artists whom I deeply admire and respect. It has been a true honor for me.

The Madison community should recognize the efforts of all of our freelance writers, distributors, photographers and designers. These people are heroes and gave as much of themselves to promote local music as anyone. I want to especially recognize Kate McCool, my wife and copy editor. Her tireless work and thorough knowledge gave us credibility and respectability. Thanks also to Tim Thompson who, as editor, brought innovation and passion to our pages. A million thanks to all of our advertisers for their loyalty and devotion to Madison’s music scene.

I would like everyone to know that my work with the Madison Area Music Awards will continue. People often associate the awards with Rick’s Café, although I’ve done my best to distance the two. I can assure everyone that this year’s MAMAs will be the best yet. I hope that you can, in some way, influence others to find out about us and help us keep music alive for our kids by becoming members. That way, someone else can come along and write about the continuing abundance of heart and talent that we are blessed with here in Madison.

My best to all,

Rick Tvedt