Familiar Face: Tony Maurer

If you have been keeping up with the Left Hand Valley Courier's Familiar Face features throughout the 2024 Rock & Rails season, you may have noticed a certain "photo-bomber" in the background of a few photos. While Rock & Rails came to a close this past Thursday, Aug. 29, with Hazel Miller's closing performance, that "photo-bomber" is a dedicated volunteer who deserves recognition.

Tony Maurer has been a weekly regular behind the bar in the Depot for more than 10 years. He first got involved when his wife, Vicki Maurer, "volun-told" him to work behind the bar in 2013. Vicki Maurer has been one of the managers of Rock & Rails since 2013 through her work with the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), where she serves as a board member and treasurer.

The Maurers live in northeast Longmont and Tony Maurer works in Gunbarrel in production for a hi-tech company, one of many in the Boulder County area he has worked for in his career. He is very involved in the Niwot community where his wife, a Niwot High grad, works as a paralegal at Warren, Carlson & Moore, Attorneys, and as the business manager for the Left Hand Valley Courier. Maurer, a Fairview High grad who grew up in Boulder, enjoys seeing many of his friends and co-workers at Rock & Rails.

Mauer said that in addition to his wife's request, what ultimately brings him back to Rock & Rails each year is "the friendly volunteers." Maurer said, "There's a bond the volunteers have formed that is fun and friendly." He appreciates how "everyone pitches in and works hard" and how "(Rock & Rails) is a great place to hear really good music." Maurer is one of the few people who have the skill and knowledge to change out the kegs during a busy night, and to keep them clean and ready for service at the next concert.

When Maurer isn't actively working his day job, and now that Rock & Rails is over for the 2024 season, his time is spent exploring the many trails in the area either on bicycle or on extended walks. The Maurers also have a place on Lake McConaughy in western Nebraska where weekends are spent when time allows.

Although there are no more Rock & Rails concerts for the 2024 season, be sure to say "Hi" to Tony Maurer if you see him around, thank him for his continued years serving us drinks, and come back next year to see him in action, keeping the beer flowing at the summer concert series.