Christopher Aaron Shoemaker
March 10, 1970 - October 15, 2014

"I met Chris and Lisa during the lowest time in my life where I some how ended up in DC. We connected thru our doggies,the Holiday, and being temporary down town sturge neighbors. I was addicted to Chris's sound, smile,hugs. My silliest and great memory was when I was laid up with new bones...up 30 stairs...and needed some TP...Chris was the one that went out of his way...to bring that to me! I loved him for that single action. I will shed tears daily knowing Im not going to see him again for awhile... blessings and love to the entire family, who are the most genuine, kind people I know. "

"Words simply cannot express losing such a wonderful person. Chris without a doubt has touched a multitude of hearts during his lifetime including my own. Our memories of him shall remain within our hearts for eternity. You are sadly missed my friend. May the Lord bless your family through these trying times and give them the strength that is needed to carry on in your absence.. Love you like a brother....."

"Like so many others, I remember Chris as being a warm, enthusiastic guy who made me feel good about myself, rather than being a guy who was more concerned with how he was coming across. I was at the 2008 Steelbridge Songwriters' Camp and he made me feel welcome. We co-wrote and recorded a song one evening. It was well past midnight and we were all feeling good. Chris had this wicked riff that was sorta in 4/4 but it sorta wasn't. He said he borrowed it from a Johnny Winter tune, as I recall, and put his own spin on it. I had some words and a few others chimed in with ideas, including Tony Brown. The next night he brought Kacy Crowley in to sing the lead vocal. It's called Subway Blues. That session was one of the highlights of my week in Sturgeon Bay, and it was all due to Chris and his 'let's make it happen' attitude. My sympathy goes out to his family and many friends. Chris was definitely a memorable guy."

"You will be greatly missed. Thank you for the inspiration to play blues music. I am going to add "Six Strings Down" to my set list as a tribute to Chris and other great blues musicians who have left us. My condolences to all family and friends. RIP Chris."

"Dearest Annalee, Lisa & family, we do not know what words can express the sorrow in our hearts. We wish we could be of some comfort to all of you. Know we care about you and grieve with you."

" It happened quite by accident for me. That I was able to stumble on to "Greatness" during their early years. It was a warm mid-summer's night. I had just finished workin' an extra long day on a job in Green Bay. I decided to grab a Bite and a Beer before hittin' the highway for the ride home. Just a quick bit to eat and a spot of refreshments and then I'd be off ........ homeward bound. I stopped at the first bar I saw. Walked in and sat at the bar next to the stage. Where a band was settin' up too play. My ears were quick to pick up the rather deep raspy voice of one of the young musicians. As they were conversing amongst themselves. Then there was the striking presence of this tall skinny young lady straight jet-black hair holdin' a microphone. They started to play ........ I ended up walkin' outa' there. After the last note of the third set of the night. This became the "NORM" every time I saw the Chris Aaron Band. Comin' in before the first note is played and stayin' until the final Sweet Musical Notes of the evening faded away to silence. Watchin' Chris on guitar. The swagger This Blues Master on stage totally enthralled me. The Soul he had for his music. The way the music was alive when those fingers touched those strings. Those facial contortions he had as the music flowed from his guitar. Plucking those strings with his teeth. Then whipping it around the back of his head continuing to play. Without skipping a note. The sweet vibrant charisma this man possessed was evident off stage. Add the tremendous Talent of the other Musician's that played with the band throughout the years......Left us to utter the same one word after witnessing a Chris Aaron Band performance......... "WOW" AND ...... The very best thing about it all. The Band was so out there all over all the time for fans like me to see and enjoy awesome live blues music. My only regret. I did not go see the band play with Lisa back on vocals."

"We met Chris in the '90's. Once you meet Chris you never forget him. That is how we felt. We were forever enriched knowing him. Truly a one of a kind. Our daughters grew up with Chris's music. He said our daughter, Sherri wrote out their first fan letter!! He sang Happy Birthday to our daughter, Kristin. We'd attend as many events with Chris as possible!! We were thought of as being with the band!! When Chris found out I had Triple Negative Breast Cancer he gave me a warm hug and took a Cancer sucks bracelet off his wrist and onto mine! I wear it every day! I never had a brother in my life but Chris was our honorary brother. We loved him better then family! As the saying goes, God only takes the best and only the Good die young. Our thoughts, Prayers, love and heartfelt sympathy goes out to Lisa and family, friends he treated like family, loved ones, friends and fans. RIP. Brother Chris. We'll never ever forget you! You left a imprint in our hearts. We love you always and forever.. Heartfelt Thank You for the love you've shown to the World!"

"We have so many wonderful memories of Chris and the wonderful music that he played and shared with so many. He will be dearly missed, but his music and the friendship we had will live with us forever. "

"My wife and I were lucky enough to have been able to experience the great music that Chris made. No matter what there was nothing better than seeing Chris play. He was an all around great guy. He always had a big smile that made you feel at ease no matter what was going on. The music will live on Chris!!! RIP"

"Chris was a HUGE inspiration to me as a guitarist and musician, and he was always kind. The Lord has called another blues angel home. "

"2001 Automatic Slims.......I owned the bar for just a short while but Chris always rocked the place when he played there with his band. Thank you for sharing your voice, your heart and the memories."

"I am so glad that Chris was born with the blues because his blues made me sooooo happy!!!! I'm sure Chris is jamming with the other greats who are no longer here on earth but will live forever in our hearts and through the music."

"All of my memories of Chris are good. I had the fortune of spending my influential teen years growing up with him in a house filled with love. Even though we lost touch over the years, Chris and his family live in my heart. His gift was his overwhelming inspiration, peace and love for everyone. I hope people who missed out on him touching their lives will get to hear his music and feel the love."

"My memories of Chris, the way he always had a smile and hug for everyone will last forever. Rest in Peace and your music will out live us all. My sympathy to Lisa and family."

"Chris possessed a gift that he shared with each and every person who knew him. My husband and I had our first date because of having a love for his music in common. Not only because of this but there was always the sense of "peacefulness" and "take me away to a realm of everything is alright with the world" when in his presence. His fingers played the guitar like no other...our hearts hurt especially when we think his family we watched always together and loving life..."

"I am at a loss for words. I love you man. I am "

"On one of his early adventures to Austin - his old car left him stranded - a short mile or so from the city - I was so honored to introduce him to WC back then! I got the blessings when WC would come back up here to WI, and then get to see those two jam - unforgettable! Getting to share this is one of many special times in the history of his journey! Lisa you were his rock & I pray you can feel his love lift you from any burden that his passing may test you with - My love goes out to this wonderful family, Mom, Abi, Aaron, Ginger - along with more siblings I didn't get to know. Each of you are bestowed with a true gift of passion of your own. It's been a true honor to know this friend & legendary artist in his own time."

"I will so miss you Chris. Everyone seems to mention the hugs. You gave the best hugs ever. Love you"

"Few words can really capture the essence of your rare and captivating spirit, Chris. My heart will always warm, and I will always smile remembering the jam sessions we enjoyed with you. Your music has inspired Dillon to play on like his cousin Chris. Play one with Stevie for us!"

"Chris was always giving. Always with a smile and a hug, and if you were lucky, a musical performance you would not soon forget. Your memory will always bring a smile, brother."

"My heart is as heavy as if I had lost my own brother. I'll never forget the first time I saw you and Lisa performing, it was next to the Fox River down below Lawrence University for a festival that was going on College Ave (perhaps an art festival). I was totally blown away and forever hooked! I had many wonderful opportunities to see you again at many venues. I was never disappointed! Chris, you will be missed very much by very many. Until we meet again "brother"...... "

"We shared plenty of good times and had some nice chats, have a fine journey my friend. "

"Chris had a huge big hug and smile. peace brother."

"A bright and shining soul. http://tinyurl.com/q224v4l"

"Every time I went to a concert, Chris 'always' knew MY song (Ophelia - Blue Highway) was going to be requested/required... and he always played it at the end because it would encourage me to stay until the wee hours of the morning dancing to his & the band's outstanding music. Introducing my niece 'back-stage' in Door County was another favorite moment... he made her feel so special. He had the talent to charm everyone he met."

"Chris was an amazing artist! He will be missed! "