Juan Molina, a longtime Athenian known for playing in the bands Little Tigers, Time Toy and Go Van Go, among other groups, died Friday, according to reports on social media. No cause of death has been given.
In addition to his presence in the local music community, Molina was known more recently as a restaurateur, having co-owned and operated Broad Street Coffee and the vegan restaurant Echo with his wife, Vanessa.
A 1984 Washington Post article on the then-emerging Athens music scene featured a pithy, poignant quote from the young drummer:
This evening he’s off to headline the 40 Watt Club. Son of a Cuban immigrant who works for an Atlanta pest control company, Molina bakes cookies for $3.50 an hour, waiting for his break. “It’s the only thing I know how to do,” he says. “Besides, there’s a different rock hero born every week.”
A funeral is planned for Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Madison. As detailed on Facebook, a gathering for friends and family will follow.
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