Small promoter Toms Cabin started in 1976. At that time, foreign acts usually performed in large halls, and the concerts were dominated by major-name musicians. What Toms Cabin set out to do was to present concerts where people could hear the musicians they wanted to hear in intimate venues with great sound. Filling a large hall to every seat was difficult, but we wanted to present shows by those quietly admired — musicians who were intensely loved by a devoted few. With that in mind, we brought singer-songwriters and other modest but beloved artists whom the big promoters hadn’t booked before. Artists Toms Cabin presented include David Grisman, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Levon Helm & The RCO Allstars, Talking Heads, Dan Penn, Marc Ribot, Dan Hicks, The Jim Kweskin Jug Band — all cutting-edge, distinctive musicians of their time.