groovers

Meet Reuben, an eclectic producer and talent manager who orchestrates specially curated events across New York City. With an innate flair for seamlessly blending comedy and music, Reuben crafts experiences that tantalize the senses and ignite the imagination. At the heart of Reuben’s work lies his unyielding passion for diversity and innovation. From underground comedy clubs to rock music venues, he scours the city’s bustling scene for hidden gems, seeking out talents that defy conventions and captivate audiences with their unique acts.

Mackenzie Shrieve gets gigs, whether she’s booking or playing them herself. As the Operations Manager at the concierge booking platform, GigFinesse, Mackenzie oversees a team focused on transforming and improving the booking process between venues and artists. As a singer/songwriter, Mackenzie makes folk/indie/rock music with a twist of pop and deeply personal lyrics.

Crystal Desai knows how healing and transformative live music can be. Since moving to New York, the Florida native has been building her professional and personal life supporting the power of live music. Currently, she is working with the music tech startup, HiFi Labs, a creative incubator and artist mentorship collective that leverages technology to build and support artists communities. During the pandemic, after a live music hiatus, she was eager to find other ways to support artists in NY, so she created the concert series, Willo, where artists and fans can come together for an intimate show focused on the music. 

Dan Melnick brings great music to life. The entrepreneur, concert producer, professor, and artist, understands the power of human connection through art. His passion for concerts has driven his career: First, without a background in the music industry, he started TurnStyle Music Group, a music booking and promotional agency spanning four cities. Today, he’s General Manager at Sonicbids, an online platform that connects bands, music promoters and major brands. Over the course of his career, Dan has booked over 6,000 artists and 2,000 concerts, so needless to say, he’s an expert. He also teaches Concert Promotion at the Roc Nation School of Music, sharing his extensive knowledge with the next generation and building a legacy that’s here to last.

Brett Wachtel builds community and connection through harnessing a shared passion for music. The journalist, photographer, manager and founder understands the way music can become a safe haven and often create a transformative experience. Songs and lyrics can change your life, and Brett’s work encompasses all aspects of music, both past and present, in his personal and professional lives. From managing the five-piece rock band, Uncle Skunk, to creating an epic music Instagram blog, FN Good Music, to putting on events, and curating fire playlists, he really does it all. And it’s FN good!

Joe Kelley knows what’s hot, well before the rest of us. The Massachusetts-bred founder, music manager, PR wizard, and community builder is always at the forefront of the latest music trends, industry news, and emerging talent

Cody Celestin’s got the mic, and he’s here to share it. The label manager, writer, musician, rapper, creator, and emcee extraordinaire brings people together, creating community and bringing creativity to life. His band, The Café Music Group, not only plays shows but also puts on The Cafe Open Mic, an open mic night that provides a safe space and platform for up and coming artists in the city to express themselves, from live music to poetry to writing and more.

“Let the music of your life give life back to music.”

Our biggest thing is: When we rise, everyone rises. So we want to continue to grow people’s networks and create opportunities. That’s our ultimate goal.

“Go out and meet people. Get outta your comfort zone. Go have a fucking blast. Dance your ass off.”

People at our shows are laughing and dancing and crying and hugging. There’s…a little bit of magic in the air! I want people to walk away feeling like they had an unexpectedly great experience that they will take forward with them.

Artists are seen as the lifeblood of the music world, but the industry would not be what it is without the hard working people behind the scenes. Enter Stephen Grybowski, one of the key figures behind Dayglo Presents which includes Brooklyn Bowl, The Rock and Roll Playhouse, Relix, and more.

“My mother told me when I was a small child, my family went to a festival, and I ran off. They thought they lost me but found me dancing in the middle of a crowd.”

Come in, sit down, and stay awhile. Today, we’re lounging at Brooks Welch’s funky, underground soul club, Soul Sugar Joint, a digital dreamscape of R&B and soul music analysis and history hosted on TikTok.

Nat Greene, also known by his pseudonym-slash-social-media-handle hippieshit, is what would happen if your favorite caricaturist dropped acid and decided to follow his life’s true passion.