Friday, August 2, 2019

RIP Tim Schellenbaum



Tim Schellenbaum, an award-winning sound designer at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, died on July 25 at the Mary Manning Walsh Home. He was 60.

LaMama posted a tribute to him on their website:

He was a musician, composer, sound engineer, and sound designer. He has been described as a quiet ambassador of Americana in its purest sense.

While attending The University of New Mexico he became known for his experimental work on WKNM radio and recording and promoting punk music. He stayed true to his roots and wrote music that honored his craft and his Hispanic heritage with his bands Zozobra, Me Wee Beastie and EIEIO.

He helped place his beloved Lower East Side on the world's cultural map. As an avant-garde musician, he worked with Arthur Russell, Robert Ashley, Rhys Chatham, Glenn Branca, Karole Armitage and The Nedd Sublette Band.

He worked at numerous downtown venues including The Kitchen, The New Federal Theatre, Theatre for The New City, and PS 122, and was the sound engineer for the Brookfield/Winter Garden space at the World Financial Center.

Proudly he served as the resident sound designer at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club for 25 years. As a resident artist at La MaMa, Tim generously shared his skills as a composer, sound designer and musician with hundreds of artists. His imprint on the downtown theatre scene is immeasurable.

Tim was the recipient of 1998 and 2000 Obie Awards and a 2007 IT Award for collaborative design.

Schellenbaum lived in the East Village with his wife, EiLeen Doster, and three children.

LaMama will be hosting a celebration of his life and work at a future date.

13 comments:

Julius G. Klein said...

Although we were not close friends, our paths literally crossed many many times, over the many many yrs. We always exchanged nods & smiles of recognition. Truly a good man !!!

Unknown said...

Tim was one of the best guys I've ever met
Not only very talented but very kind at every turn
I liked being around him, when I got the chance
Just thinking of him makes me smile and always will
A good man

Unknown said...

Tim was a pal...an incredibly sweet talented guy- I'll miss him- miss seeing him on the street- miss having a PBR with him...goddamnit!!!

David vL said...

This is just heartbreaking. He was such a wonderful guy.

Unknown said...

Jay,You have my deepest heart felt condolences with the passing of your brother Tim, You will meet again in Heaven...

Unknown said...

Mary Ellen and Jay. I can't think of the words to console you, I know you must be devastated. Tim was as one of my best friends in high school. We had so many good times together, jamming in your garage, we used to be fearless in Jeff's truck and exore theJemez and Sandias. I am so so very sorry. May Angel's hold him close. Love and hugs. PS, I know his Mom lives in Albuquerque and I'm here for a while. If possible, I would love to talk to her. My email is jeannettedepriest@yahoo.com Thank you.

Laura Goggin said...

This is so sad. I knew Tim from Sophie's and around the neighborhood. He was great to talk to - smart, interesting and kind. My condolences to his family, he will be missed.

Unknown said...

Worked with Tim daily for many years... he knew me since birth and pretty much introduced me to sound engineering.
If you worked the off Broadway theater strip, there was a very high chance you knew him.

This loss is a really hard one. Not just for me but for everyone in the community. You couldnt have asked for a better person to walk the earth.

Rest in Power, Tim.

Jason said...

That's terrible news. Tim was an amazing person. He will be missed.

Shawn said...

Tim was my friend, drinking buddy, and fellow Beatle maniac. We had many long talks about the band's sound, the group, and lots of discussions about audio theory, live sound, and so much more.

I was greatly enriched by him, and missed him hanging around as I knew he had gotten sick. I was devastated by the news of his passing.

My heart goes out to Eileen and family.

Anonymous said...

Feel lucky to have known Tim over the last 25 years from nearly the first moment I arrived in this city. I'll never walk down E 4th without expecting to run into him.

Anonymous said...

Jeannette DePriest here. Does anyone know if there will be a Memorial Service held in Albuquerque where he grew up?

Robert Masterson said...

Tim was an amazing fellow in all respects. I knew him in Albuquerque and will feel his influence for life. Way too soon to leave us all alone...