Mello reportedly refused to give up the instruments and instead used Mace on one of the assailants, who responded by shooting Mello.<\/p>\n
According to his friends and coworkers, Mello was rarely apart from his bass guitar.<\/p>\n
Jeff Givens, who worked with Mello at El Barrio Cantina and The Pike Bar & Restaurant, said Mello would often play the instrument during his breaks.<\/p>\n
Mello was a fixture in the local music scene, especially on Fourth Street,<\/a> his friends said.<\/p>\n He played bass guitar with three of the six bands that are performing at the benefit concert.<\/p>\n Mello\u2019s music teacher, Baba Elefante, is also scheduled to play.<\/p>\n The event, which has a $5 suggested donation at the door, will also have a special drink menu that features a cocktail in Mello\u2019s honor.<\/p>\n The drink, called The Mello Man, features cachaca \u2014 a Brazilian rum that was Mello\u2019s favorite, Givens said.<\/p>\n All proceeds from orders off the special drink menu will go to Mello\u2019s family, Givens said.<\/p>\n As of Friday afternoon, an online fundraiser<\/a> for the funeral had gained $270 toward its $5,000 goal.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/img-7881-081896-6jcm1ae2-340632-68VYXflg-768x1024.jpeg\")
Jeff Givens, head bartender at El Barrio Cantina, with his drink honoring Thomas Mello: The Mello Man. Courtesy of Jeff Givens.<\/p>\n