Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My bandleader Steve Camarda inspires me because his band, Brandy, has been in business for 50 years—almost unheard of in live entertainment. The industry has changed dramatically over the decades, yet he has weathered every storm. Steve even ran his own agency, representing 30+ bands at once. He personally edited videos, met with event planners, and negotiated the deals. His dedication, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit have set a powerful example for anyone working in live music.

How do you stay motivated?

I think about those who will benefit from my success—from young students graduating from Berklee College of Music to seasoned professional musicians like myself who want to keep doing what we love for as long as we can. When I first started in the music business, artists could supplement their income by selling recordings on 45s, cassettes, and CDs right from the stage. Now they can’t. My age 68, is another motivating factor. Nothing like a mild heart attack to motivate you.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Pilot Phase 1 identifies friction in how planners discover, compare, and book bands on PartyBands by tracking real planner touchpoints. Phase 2 introduces Rate the Groove at live events to measure audience engagement signals like dancing and peak moments. Professors and students from Berklee College of Music observe events, analyze engagement patterns, and gain behind-the-scenes insight into the event music industry.