Dan Roth: My Nuçi's Space Story

Dan Roth, creative designer and musician

I was in the crowd on September 30, 2000. Linda and Bob were there but I didn't know them yet. I only knew it was important and imperative to be present for the opening of a, what was it... community center for musicians? Rehearsal room? Performance space? That also planned to HELP those musicians with tangible programs and benefits? Many (many) of us were out there in the city; ungrounded, uninsured, ineffectively managing untenable circumstances, under the clouds of poorly-managed mental and physical health, and without resource. 

My 26-year-old relationship with Nuçi's Space began simply enough by showing up one day and asking for help. In the decades since, it has been a beautiful blanket of consistent, caring support and resource. An archival review of the multiple, incredible programs and benefits offered would reveal my name on sign-up lists in many places. From custom molded hearing protection to avoiding disastrous dental bills through free cleanings, to a critically-beneficial and meaningful mental health program at FCS of Athens, I am nothing less than saved and rehabilitated by the very vision and mission Linda presented in 1999. This gift will never be lost on me. Ever.

Dan (band leader) with The Great Grand Finale (Atlanta, 2020-present)

I have given back as best I could over these many years by evangelizing Nuçi's Space in every corner of the country I've walked and performed, attending 18 of 26 DBT Homecomings (yeah, they rock. whattayagonnado?), performing with colleague John Miley at Linda's memorial, and any other time I've been asked to offer my skill set.

For the first time in my 58 years, I was able to donate back to a charitable organization via Nuçi's monthly capital campaign. It's not much fiscally, but it represents a tectonic-level shift for a guy who has spent the bulk of his career as a working player paying it off instead of paying it forward. I will continue to contribute and raise the amount annually. The sense of equity, meaning, and altruism this instills is nearly immeasurable on a human scale. 

I very much intend this letter of thanks to appear as hyperbolic and histrionic as possible, if only for my ability to answer any non-believers with, "this happened to me. It's all true."

Thank you, Nuçi's Space - for the people, the building, the ethic, the enduring impact, all of it.