In Memory, Jonathan M. Cheman, 1978-2015

Jonathan M. Cheman (photo by Jacob L. Barber)

We learned on Monday that Jon Cheman, the songwriter/singer/guitarist in the band Ruthless Tom passed away suddenly in his home in Arcade, NY, on Sunday, March 22. He was 36.

Mike Perks, the band’s drummer, informed us of the sad news via email as the polls were still open in this week’s Artvoice BOOM competition. “It actually makes us want to win the vote even more just for him. He was so excited and happy to be included. He was so looking forward to hearing his song on the radio last night too, but didn’t get the chance,” he wrote.

Ruthless Tom did win this week’s matchup, by a very wide margin.

According to Perks, “Jon had a love for music. He and his various band members produced countless hours of music over the years. He had finally realized his dream of recording in a studio and was about to release his first EP “Shadow View” with his band Ruthless Tom. Jon loved his family and friends more than anything, though. He was a compassionate friend who only wanted what was best for everyone, and for everyone to be happy.”

We at Artvoice would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and bandmates. Memorials can be made to the family.

For a full obituary, visit: http://bit.ly/1LZrKz9.

Round 3, Week 4: Luanjie vs. Lost Elysium

Vote Now at the BOOM Website!

Congratulations Round 3, Week 3 Winners:
Ruthless Tom

Welcome to the ninth installment of Artvoice’s Battle of Original Music—a contest we call BOOM, for short. Visit boom.artvoice.com to listen to this week’s contestants, Luanjie and Lost Elysium. Then, vote for the band you prefer. The winning act gets to play at our third Live BOOM Showdown at Nietzsche’s on April 10. That night, audience members will choose their favorite band. That band will go on to compete in our BOOM Grand Finale at the Tralf Music Hall on June 6, 2015 for a chance to win $5,000 and an appearance at 107.7’s live concert at Canalside! This year, there will also be prizes for the runner-up bands courtesy of Guitar Factory and Chilliam Recording Studios. It’s easy and free to enter! Visit boom.artvoice.com.

Thanks to our Partners in supporting local music, Alternative Buffalo 107.7. Be sure to Check out “Localized” Sundays from 8-9pm on Alt Buffalo. Good luck to our competitors, and may the best band win.