Thomas “Max” Hollingshead

Midsummer’s Music’s Office Manager grew up as Tom and sometimes Tommy. He has been known as Max for a while now and sometimes Maxel Toft or even Daddy (but the government knows him as Thomas).

He is a beekeeper, likes to make thimbleberry jam, process maple syrup, and build things (sometimes houses).

And what else . . ?
Oh yeah, music!
He writes and records his own songs, often using drums and banjo (sometimes at the Holiday Music Motel).

He comes from a family of teachers that goes all the way back to one-room schoolhouses in Door County. However, he is not a teacher and only a mediocre artist so he is better suited for working behind the scenes to support all the great music and education going on here at Midsummer’s Music.

“I didn’t know much about Midsummer’s Music before I started working here. I had only seen signs in front of churches for Midsummer’s Music and posters in the library for the Griffon String Quartet. So it was very interesting to go from nothing to eventually hearing every program in the 2023 Season. Even more interesting is how the same program sounded different at each venue.

“I don’t know if I imagined it or if my experience really ended up feeling like listening to the whole album (or boxed set) as opposed to just the hit singles. There were others that also went to every program and some that were there almost as much as I was! I encourage everyone to go to as many concerts as possible this year. Go hear a composer that you haven’t heard before and go to a different venue than normal. I am excited to see and hear how the 2024 Season plays out.”