Our dear friend, Brian David Gapko passed away on November 20, 2017 after a 2-year long battle with cancer.

Brian was more than just a listener at the St. Joseph, MN coffee shop Local Blend’s Open Mic Night held every Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m. since 2010; He was an absolute fixture at the Open Mic and a strong supporter of live music.

In these past seven years, he missed only a handful of Open Mic nights due to side effects from chemo treatments. Brian enjoyed these Tuesday nights so much, they were part of his obituary and his eulogy.

Brian never married and he did not have any children. He felt he would not be remembered after he was gone.

We promised him that he would be as it is hard to forget someone who gave you so much good to remember.

Through crowdfunding, we raised enough for a beautiful memorial piece and a concert featuring Brian’s three favorite Open Mic Local Blend performers.

Join us for the unveiling of Brian’s memorial piece made to match the gentle, loving and authentic soul that Brian was to so many people whose lives he touched throughout the years.