Beloved Sarasota blues musician ‘Big T’ dies of COVID-19 complications
A beloved local musician and purveyor of the arts is one of the latest casualties of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tim Calandra, sometimes known as “Big T,” was the frontman of local blues group Busta Groove. The band graced stages around Sarasota with rock-driven, funky blues. Before that, he led Big T and the Tornadoes.
He was also a member of the administrative staff at the Sarasota Film Society, a nonprofit that operates two cinemas and offers access to independent film in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Calandra died on Wednesday due to complications from a COVID-19 infection. He was 62.
Calandra’s fiancee Roseann Falcone shared the heartbreak of his passing on her Facebook page, as did many others who knew him.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reaching out and for keeping us in your prayers,” Falcone wrote in a message to friends and family. “I know Tim is still singing the blues for us. Please be safe and take care of yourselves and one another.”
The admiration that Calandra won in the local music scene was also apparent in tributes made by other players.
“I was fortunate enough to know Tim and played some music with him many years ago when I was with the Mitch Clark Band,” wrote Mark Skey, lead guitarist and vocalist with local rock group Tony da Band. “He would get up and ‘jam’ with us at many of Mitch’s gigs. A very nice guy and fine singer. When someone you actually KNOW is stricken this pandemic really starts to hit home! My most sincere condolences to Tim’s friends and family.”
Both of Calandra’s bands provided regular entertainment at Mattison’s City Grille in Sarasota.
“(Tim) performed for many years with our Mattison’s family at our City Grille location in Downtown Sarasota and is beloved by many in the music community,” owner and head chef Paul Mattison wrote on Facebook. “He was always a man with a big heart and a dynamic personality. He touched our lives and a multitude of others and will truly be missed. Rock on Brother!”
Calandra’s stepdaughter Cassie Coccaro also reflected on his passing in a social media post. Coccaro recalled her stepdad teaching her to drive, throwing her “the most epic” 16th birthday party and walking her down the aisle. Other fond memories included his Stevie Ray Vaughan-themed parties and his knack for showing up at her high school chorus concerts wearing eye-catching hats and snakeskin boots.
“I have so much more to say about my relationship with Tim,” Coccaro wrote. “So many memories and silly stories to share. One day when things start to return to normal and we can have a real memorial service for him, I will get to share them. Until then, I can sum it up like this: He cared so much. He loved so much. And we are all so lucky to have had him in our lives.”
She also had a warning for others as the health crisis continues.
“To anyone reading this, please take this crazy time seriously. Stay home with your family. Do what you need to do to get through this safely. Tim’s death is proof of how fast and scary this thing is. Follow the rules because things can change in the blink of an eye.”
This story was originally published April 3, 2020 at 7:35 AM with the headline "Beloved Sarasota blues musician ‘Big T’ dies of COVID-19 complications."