Spotlight On Artists: Meet Tim Sully Sullivan

For correctly identifying the artist behind this picture, meet the very jovial, very talented Tim "Sully" Sullivan, who hosts Rockland's R Space. Here is little bit more you need to know about Tim...

You host R Space at the Lincoln Street Center for the Arts and Education. Tell us a bit about what its purpose is, what the name means and why you got that going.

Basically, R Space is about bringing modern music (a.k.a, rock 'n' roll) to the midcoast youth, to give them something to do 'round here. Eventually, we will do some after-school education, from playing an instrument to doing sound for a show. Mission: R Space will present music and performing and visual art for the youth of our community in a safe environment, free from alcohol and other drugs.

What was the first concert you ever went to? Why is music such a passion of yours?

The first concert I saw was in 6th grade - KISS in Portland (probably '81). I started playing drums around then...and haven't stopped. Music is the language of the soul...we need it to sustain our Selves.

How long have you lived in Maine? What do you think about Rockland's music scene as it has evolved?

I grew up in Alfred (southern Maine) and have lived in the midcoast for the last 10 years. My first reaction to the "Rockland music scene" is "WHAT music scene?" but we do have some good stuff going on besides R Space, particularly for a town of only 8,000. Paul Benjamin brings in world-class blues musicians, every Monday at Time Out Pub and of course the Blues Festival which is amazing...absolutely amazing. It's great that the Strand is doing shows - and some big national acts. The bars have some live entertainment which really helps fill things out here. And I think the busking in Rockland has increased, despite the police crackdown on it. There have been rock shows in Rockland, but they usually don't last too long. We've been doing this since February, with shows about every other week.

Tell us about The Have Nots. Looks like a rad band.

The ska band Have Nots from Boston have been touring with the Dropkick Murphys recently, and will be appearing with The Swinging Utters and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones this fall. It's hard to express enough how awesome this show on the 21st is going to be (which is at the Rockland Rec Center)...but it's best to listen to them and hear for yourself: www.facebook.com/havenots

By the way, The Have Nots are playing this Saturday night. Do something a little different this weekend. Check out the show!