Jason Aukes, the manager and co-booker of neighboring West Bank Minneapolis venues the Cabooze and the Joint, and general manager of the entire line of After Midnight Group restaurants and bars, passed away unexpectedly in his home yesterday. He was 36.

"It's been devastating to all of us here," says Cabooze talent buyer Kim King. She says Aukes has been a life-long employee of the After Midnight Group franchise, starting when he was still a teenager. Over the years he was promoted and eventually became a manager of the entire franchise, which includes the Cabooze, the Joint, and six Twin Cities Cowboy Jack's locations.

"With his infectious humor and contagious smile, he had an overwhelming ability to make everyone feel welcome, including bands, staff, and customers," the After Midnight Group said in a statement today. "His presence as a manager, a talent buyer, a friend and overall great person will be missed by many."

Services will be held on Tuesday, March 19 at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 8211 Red Oak Dr, St Paul, MN 55112. Visitation begins at 1 p.m., with services at 2 p.m.