In May, GAAR CFO Nick Fowler was afforded the opportunity of a lifetime.

Nick’s older brother, Zach Fowler, is the bass player and musical director for Nashville-based recording artists LOCASH. In early May, LOCASH released a song titled ‘Beach Boys,’ which became a collaboration with Mike Love and Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys, known as the inventors of the California sound and one of the most successful rock bands of all times.

When LOCASH was invited to play the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee on May 27th, they asked The Beach Boys to join them. While LOCASH has performed many times at the Grand Ole Opry, this was a first for The Beach Boys!

On this date, the lead guitarist for LOCASH planned to be on his honeymoon and so the LOCASH Management Team allowed Nick to fill the lead guitar role. Within days, Nick was flown to Nashville. No auditions. No rehearsals. Just five songs to learn, including The Beach Boys classic, ‘Fun, Fun, Fun.’

On May 27th, Nick and The Beach Boys together made their debut at the Grand Ole Opry with LOCASH.

“It was literally, a dream come true. I'm still in shock, almost disbelief, that I was able to play on the Opry stage,” said Nick Fowler. “Backstage, I was surrounded by such amazing performers, musicians, and the first-class Opry staff and crew. I walked the halls that hosted so many country music legends and I saw the dressing rooms themed to honor Opry members. LOCASH had the 'Minnie Pearl Room,' who was an Opry mainstay for half a century. I'm so grateful that I was allowed to play a role in such a special occasion with LOCASH and The Beach Boys. On stage, the atmosphere was electric. It was nerve-wracking to just step foot in front of that large of an audience. Early on, I decided to just enjoy the experience and take it all in. After the performance, to hear The Beach Boys, who have performed worldwide for 60 years, say that this was one of the biggest moments and favorite performance of their careers, still gives me goosebumps.”

Fowler continued, “This experience was possible because of the years of hard work, sacrifice and determination that my brother devoted to following his dream of becoming a professional musician. He believed in himself and had the courage to leave Albuquerque. He believed in me and my ability to perform alongside him. It gives me tremendous pride to know that the Fowler brothers represented Albuquerque on the Grande Ole Opry stage. This experience will be one of the highlights of my life.”

“I can now mention that I played my first gig in Nashville at the Grand Old Opry,” Fowler joked. "My one and only!"

The full LOCASH and The Beach Boys Performance is slated to be released in July 2022 on the Opry Network’s Circle All Access.

Nick Fowler
Before his GAAR Career, CFO Nick Fowler picked up a guitar at the age of 12. His musical interest was inspired by the funk and rock music his parents played and concerts they took their sons to. He began playing in bars and casinos at 14 years of age, as well as local fiestas and other local events. Since then, he has continued to perform on the biggest stages in New Mexico and occasionally tours across the U,S. One memorable performance was filling in for Steppenwolf at Sturgis. Currently, Nick performs and records with his band Hicks & Fowler and Soul Divine, as well as perform with other New Mexico artists such as Lorenzo Antonio, Sparx, Gonzalo, Animated Jukebox and many others.