SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Charles Thomas, known as "Ground Chuck," has passed away, sending shockwaves through Sacramento's music and art scene.

Friends described him as a poet, punk rocker, and chalk artist, with his chalk art being a staple at the Chalk It Up festival. Many gathered at an open mic night at Mattie Groves Brewery in Midtown to honor his memory.

"I've known him since about '85. We played a lot of music together. Just a great guy," said Monte Bateman, a friend.

"He was one of the first people to do chalk art," said Marco Fuoco, highlighting his pioneering contributions to the local scene.

"If he only had, like, $5 in his pocket, he'd be like, Hey, come here. Come have a drink with me. My treat. That's the kind of guy he was. He was generous and kind and silly," said Desiree

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