Keith Brabant Music Scholarship Festival About Keith

There is only one path for me and I'm on it. I have known exactly what I am here to do since my first memories. I feel that I am very lucky in that regard. And although my future is uncertain, my direction has been laid at my feet. .... The only thing that I want to happen is for the music to get created. And that's been happening from day one. All small pieces of "fabric" over the course of my life, that will be a "quilt". Frank Zappa refers to this as Project/Object (each project is part of a larger object).
-Keith Brabant, 2004

Keith, you are one of the few people in this world that was ever truly alive. Your very living was a gift to us all. If there is justice in the universe then even in death your spirit is here; strong as sunlight. You are one of the great and eternal soulful forces in the universe brother. A triumph of creation. Thank you for living every moment to the fullest, for teaching us how to be alive. You are, were and will always be beautiful. I pray that we can all find a way to honor you.
Khuram Hussain

Today that one deep laugh, that one beautiful smile, that one calming voice that consumes my thoughts belongs to Keith. Only now do I search for that bubble in my heart. I gently pull it out and set the memories free to surround me again.
Patricia Bond Bushey

Words can't express what is in my heart and head right now. We were born cousins (368) days apart and were never further away from one another than the island. We NEVER fought and shared friends and music. He was a constant in my life- one of my most influential people ever. He taught me more about peaceful debate... and conflict resolution than I have learned elsewhere. Love all that lives- and everyone has an opinion and is entitled to express it. Keith taught me that in order to argue something- you need to also look at it from an opposing view. Mandy

One of many memories that stand out in my mind was back in tenth grade gym class. Whenever Keith was captain for any of the teams he'd always pick the outcasts, the unpopular kids, un-athletic kids. I was among those people and I miss Keith so much. Todd Weinkertz

What an awesome sight to see hundreds of people celebrating the life of such a great person tonight. I've always loved my small hometown, but tonight Clayton came together to prove to us all what a great group of people we have here. And, while we've lost one of our truest and most honorable members, Keith's memory and legacy will shine brightly always! Love and miss you! Kelly Harrington

I first met Keith when I started working at O'Brien's. He was in the back making pizzas while I was clearing tables. Our paths crossed often, and his humor and thoughtfulness got me through some crazy nights. I'd always think to myself, "Wow, this dude is just so friendly!" He would be piled with work to do, and under circumstances where other people might get frantic, Keith was.... well, singing! What I admire most about Keith is that he was one-hundred-percent true to his soul...A true and talented artist. His departure from our temporal lives leaves my heart heavy, but his spirit will live on and continue to make the world a more beautiful place. Keith, Thank You. Lisa Wingerath

! I can still see Keith as a young boy...one of the kids on my block. Loved hanging with you and George. Thinking how ironic it was, that when we were putting together Rhonda Reff's benefit (gun shot victim) you came to Melissa and said you had to play! Thank you so much for that! You were always there when you needed to be... your music was awesome...your smile was beautiful...life without you is going to be hard for so many, but one thing you have done my friend is leave behind so many precious memories that will last forever...peace to you Keith!♥ YOU WILL BE MISSED!!! Melinda Countryman

We met Keith and George in Summit Co. Lisa, Keith and I moved into a place in Frisco. We lived there for the season and there were a lot of great nights listening to Keith play. Quite possibly the most unassuming, nicest friend I've ever known. I've thought about Keith and George over the years, often wondering what happened to our N.Y. brothers. This is very troubling to Lisa and I and we are in a state of numbness. I watch some of the links around of Keith playing a rush of terrific memories come flooding back. We will always cherish our memories of Keith. Our love goes out to George and the rest of his family. We miss you both dearly. R.I.P. my good man! Scott Kruithoff

II I was seventeen and had just purchased my first guitar. While sitting on my bed in my Webb St apartment trying to learn "Jeremy's Spoken" by Pearl Jam, Keith was downstairs with Mike Pairish and my older brother Mark playing NHL 97 on Sega. I guess Keith wasn't a big fan of the game so he came up to my room and asked if he could play my new guitar. He started jamming "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and then some Hip tunes and ended with a bad ass finger picking/hammer-on original. He called it the Angel and Indian song. I was completely blown away and Keith simply said "Practice, practice, practice". So I practiced until my fingers bled and got the chance just last summer (twelve years later) to sit down with Keith and jam out on a couple of acoustic guitars. What a great day it was. Nathan Harrington

Keith Brabant you left an indelible mark on my soul! I will miss you forever! In my mind you were one of the great ones whose life was taken too early...a waste of young talent. Your music will live in my heart for eternity! Say hi to Jimmy, Janice, Jim, Kurt, Shannon, Elvis and the rest of them for me.

George and Rachel, I am so sorry for your horrific loss. I am left speechless...which could only ever be done by Keith by the way. I wish I was there to give (and get) big hugs. Your Colorado family is always here for you!
Heidi Martina Fuchs

When I moved to Clayton, I was a sad 15 year old girl who missed her friends and family. Then I met Keith and all of that changed. He was the first friend I had and he introduced me to all of his friends. For years we all would get together to play D&D, or to hang out at the Doors Wall, or have parties at the A frame. Things that teenage kids aren't supposed to do, but always do anyway. Most of the time it was Keith who was behind it all. Then as adults we shared a life together. It was always an adventure because that was how Keith looked at life. We traveled from coast to coast, hiked for miles and miles, and just enjoyed being with each other. I'm so grateful for the time I had with him and will always feel the loss of him not being with me, but also will feel him as a part of me. I love you Keith.
Rachel Borawski

You meant so much to so many, you made us feel with your music, you made us see with your thoughts, your smile brightened our days. Our family will never be the same without you, we will love and miss you always and forever. Courtney Schermerhorn

What a disgusting, tragic end to a great man's life...Keith was a "free spirit" type guy that just didn't fit the mold made by society and their rules. And he was fine with that, in fact, enjoyed the shit out of it. So much more that any one of us could say about him...he probably wouldn't want much said knowing him.
Jim Matthews

Keith I have to tell you that you grew into an amazing young man. I look at the way you lived your life. The way you could look at a stupid political situation and bring clarity to it with a quote that you found only God knows where. I've listened to your music. But I have to say that one of my fondest memories is ...when you were six months old, sitting on the daybed at Grandma Bond's doing a little "bouncing to the beat" of the radio. You were born with the music in you. Love and Hugs Always, Aunt Peggy

Keith you were the sun shine that filled the day. You were laughing and smiling all the time. I am going to miss all the random talks that we had. I am going to miss ever thing about you. You were an awesome person and in the short time that we knew each other you impacted my life. You are amazing. We all will miss you .
Haylee Dawn

For the first time in my life I'm going to miss being called Amber! You made me laugh at every turn and surprised me all the time. Your time came too soon and wasn't fair to you or anyone you knew. Cannot wait to hear the music you left behind! Leah Davis

Today, a pillar in my life collapsed; gave way. I've known Keith for most of my life. I was with him when his mom got him his first guitar. He comforted me through the death of my father and our friend Josh LaGrow. We haven't seen each other in years and years but we kept in touch and every time we spoke it took me back to the park or the docks behind the legion or any number of places from those times. I always admired him for his courage to be a true individual. God broke the mold... Melody, Ken, and George, I am so sorry for your loss. Keith, I love you buddy. You are missed.
Laurence Geoghegan

Real sorry to hear about this man. My memories of Keith are from childhood. Being out on the river with you guys and Keith and his dad. Keith babysitting us, and terrifying us with that ghost story about the hearse. He was a dude full of character, charm, and talent. He lived it while he had it, and great people like you will never forget him. That's all one can ask in this life, to be someone worth remembering. He's certainly that. Stay strong brother!
Rob LaVine

Keith, your laugh, your smile, your unconditional friendship, will be forever missed. Sooo many memories we all have of time spent with you. You have touch my life in so many ways, whether it was talking to my son about playing the drums and guitar, to just stopping in for a simple hello. lol..Borrowing Grateful Dead cd's from me cause you "knew I would have the one you were looking for". You always made me smile and I will forever miss you playing your guitar... can't believe I'll never hear that awesome gift of music you had. RIP old friend.
Amy Perruccio

How sad and tragic Keith's death is. Yesterday when I attended the calling hours and celebration of life, I was amazed at how many people came together from near and far to honor this loving free spirited soul. There is nothing better than knowing that your small hometown loves and cares for their own. That our people ...never forget our own, no matter where life takes you, our hearts remember and this will always be home. Thoughts and prayers to all who know and love Keith and his family. RIP with God and the angels Keith.
Shayne Scales Bachmann

Our prayers go out to Ken, Melody, George and all of the family. We have truly enjoyed Keith as our employee. He was such an asset because he was one of the special ones, that cared about making people happy. Not only the customers, but also his co-workers. He made such an impression on all of our staff, especially the teenagers. I think they saw through him what life could really be. We will all miss you and your smile Keith! RIP. Pam Buker

Very beautiful post Pam! It has been a long time since I worked for you, but seeing Keith working there made me, and I bet tons of other people wanting to put an application in. Keith was a fun, genuine, and easy person to get along with. Like you said, he was such an asset, a beautiful asset to all that knew him! Adam Harrington

I grew up spending my summers on Grindstone with friends, family, peace and quiet, but occasionally I'd hear Keith next door jammin out with friends or by himself learning cords. Keith was also my neighbor in Clayton when I was about 4 yrs old he was one of my first friends in life. Keith will forever live on in in my memories. Why does this always have to happen to the good people in life??
Tom Bogenschutz

In addition to his incredible talent and passion for music, Keith studied the great religions, philosophers, and historians; he believed every person should have the opportunity to find and follow their own passion, as he did until his life was taken. He knew what was important in this life - he was a true friend, mentor, and educator; someone who had a sincere interest in hearing what people had to say. He loved his family and friends, his dog, Asprin, nature, hiking, biking, the beautiful St. Lawrence River, the amazing Canyonlands and Rocky Mountains, all of nature's wonders. We will honor Keith by continuing his efforts for social awareness and global citizenship, and by sharing his music with all. We will honor this remarkable person, Keith Brabant, and enrich our lives by looking inward to discover our own truths as he did.

In addition to solo acoustic shows Keith was in several bands over the course of his music career starting with Javiae Forhed and Minus Mike in his early years here in Clayton. He then moved to Silverthorne, Colorado, where he joined a band named Prometheon Monk. While with this band, they created a CD and toured the Northwest United States. Leaving this band, Keith and some other members formed their own band, Solomon's Lane, followed by Rhythm Pig, and The Kilgore Trout, touring several times and having many interesting adventures along the way. Keith's music and performances had great local popularity and a devoted following. After much deliberation, and with mixed feelings Keith decided to return to Clayton, NY where, with his long-time friend Dereck Kirkby, drummer James Cage , and keyboardist Gino Cappuccetti, he started the band Leo Zion. Keith also continued his acoustic shows, playing at several local businesses, one of his favorites being the dinner cruise on Uncle Sam Boat Tours.

Throughout all these years, Keith spent much of his time composing and playing his own original music, and has left us with a wonderful library of original compositions and lyrics.

Keith was one of my first friends when I moved to CO 8 years ago. We played in a band together called Solomons Lane. He has been a good friend ever since. Keith's passion for music, loyalty to friends and true spirit can not be topped! You are missed and remembered in Summit County, CO
In this photo: Cory Rosenkoetter, Matt Donnelly , Keith Brabant (center), Ryan Blizzard, Bryan Farmer.