Music Symposium
Delta Hotel – Ballroom C
200 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201
Speakers will speak for 20-30 min followed by Q & A.
Some speakers will be offering a limited number of 15 minute one-on-one mentoring sessions following their time slot.
Sign ups are done on a first come, first served basis, in person beginning at noon each day.
Limit 2 sessions per artist while space is available. Badges required.
Keynote Speaker
Psyko Steve (Psyko Steve Presents/Founder)
Thursday 4/18 • 6pm
Stephen Chilton is the owner and talent buyer for Psyko Steve Presents (PSP), a concert promotion company he started in 2000, and The Rebel Lounge, a concert venue in Phoenix. In 2022 Chilton promoted over 700 concerts in Arizona including 8123 Fest, a boutique artist curated festival by the band The Maine, and the inaugural ZONA Music Fest. In 2019 The Phoenix New Times named Psyko Steve Presents “Best Promoter” in their annual Best Of Phoenix. He is a founding Board Member and former Vice President of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), a trade association representing over 3000 of the best independent venues and promoters in all 50 States. Chilton co-founded NIVA in the wake of COVID-19 to advocate for relief for one of the most impacted industries by the pandemic. Chilton helped create #SaveOurStages, the organization’s public campaign. The campaign directly led to Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) authoring and passing the Save Our Stages Act, a truly partisan bill that created the $16 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) by the SBA. It has been called “the biggest show of federal support for arts and culture in U.S. history. Recently, Billboard Magazine named The Rebel Lounge, the “Best Venue Under 500-Capacity” in their list of 2024 Top Music Venues.
Thursday 4/18
Ami Rogers is a 20 year event production veteran turned Artist Manager who excels at producing various events (500-125K attendees) and helping artists navigate the music industry. As EVP of Operations and Artist Development at 59 X Records, Rogers oversees the daily operations of the Artist Management division. She holds a Master’s Degree from Arizona State University and has collaborated with these notable organizations: Warped Tour, Sundance Film Festival, SXSW and the Mesa Music Festival.
Craig Handley is an entrepreneur, speaker, musician, songwriter and philanthropist. He started his professional career as a paperboy, winning a contest to go to Disney for most new subscribers at the age of 13, he followed up with 3 years of door-to-door insurance sales, where he again won the company’s highest award 8 times. He worked in a call center in telephone sales and again was one of 3 employees (Out of 950) selling over a million dollars a year in product. A respected advisor for hundreds of brands, products, and services in almost every category, he has also contributed articles and been interviewed for leading marketing and business magazines, blogs and podcasts and he’s spoken at conferences, company retreats, seminars, and private masterminds.
Zachary Yoshioka is an ASU Alum and veteran Artist Manager. Zach is the CEO of Powerline Management and Co-CEO/Talent Buyer at K & Z Entertainment. Powerline Management LLC is a full service artist development and management company based in Tempe, AZ. Their roster currently includes Escape the Fate, Butcher Babies, Lacey Sturm and more.
David Key is a nonprofit professional committed to fostering growth in the community through his work at Tempe Chamber of Commerce. With a passion for entrepreneurship, development, and a background in the music industry, he excels at connecting people with one another to drive positive change. In 2014 he received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management, with a focus in entrepreneurship, from Arizona State University. Upon graduating he spent the next few years writing, recording and touring with his band and booking concerts as an independent promoter in Phoenix. From 2017 until 2020 he worked as a tour manager for Phoenix act Ded, and worked various roles from lighting director to backline tech for other rock acts including Wage War and Memphis May Fire. As the founder of Atlas Artist Group, he oversees an online music publication and manages a roster of artists including Anarbor, Lovely Machine and Wild Giants.
Stephen Chilton is the owner and talent buyer for Psyko Steve Presents (PSP), a concert promotion company he started in 2000, and The Rebel Lounge, a concert venue in Phoenix. In 2022 Chilton promoted over 700 concerts in Arizona including 8123 Fest, a boutique artist curated festival by the band The Maine, and the inaugural ZONA Music Fest. In 2019 The Phoenix New Times named Psyko Steve Presents “Best Promoter” in their annual Best Of Phoenix. He is a founding Board Member and former Vice President of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), a trade association representing over 3000 of the best independent venues and promoters in all 50 States. Chilton co-founded NIVA in the wake of COVID-19 to advocate for relief for one of the most impacted industries by the pandemic. Chilton helped create #SaveOurStages, the organization’s public campaign. The campaign directly led to Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) authoring and passing the Save Our Stages Act, a truly partisan bill that created the $16 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) by the SBA. It has been called “the biggest show of federal support for arts and culture in U.S. history. Recently, Billboard Magazine named The Rebel Lounge, the “Best Venue Under 500-Capacity” in their list of 2024 Top Music Venues.
FRIday 4/19
I’m James Gaspar, a multifaceted individual whose journey from U.S. Army combat veteran to DJ has been vibrant tapestry of passions and pursuits.
My odyssey began on the battlefields of the U.S. Army, where I learned the values of discipline and dedication that would later define my artistic endeavors. Transitioning seamlessly from combat to creativity, I embarked on a quest to master the art of DJ performance and audio production. Armed with dual degrees from Mesa Community College and Scottsdale Community College, I’ve enchanted audiences across prestigious clubs and festivals, blending beats with finesse and flair. Alongside accolades such as features in EDM Magazine and appearances on Channel 10 News, my journey has been enriched by tours with Video Games Live, infusing my artistry with a unique blend of passion and purpose. In addition to the realms of music and academia, I am also a certified actor, recognized by the prestigious International Movie Database (IMDb). Through the medium of acting, I explore new dimensions of creativity and expression, immersing myself in diverse roles that challenge and inspire.
Beyond the confines of the DJ booth, I find inspiration in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and language, which I actively study with fervor. My love for Japan extends to its vibrant pop culture, with anime and video games occupying cherished spaces in my heart. Whether exploring the fantastical realms of Studio Ghibli or immersing myself in the virtual landscapes of gaming, I revel in the boundless creativity and imagination they offer. Of course, at the core of it all lies my unwavering passion for music, the universal language that transcends boundaries and unites souls.
As an instructor at Mesa Community College, I have the privilege of sharing my expertise with aspiring musicians in the Music Industries program. Notably, I have the privilege to be a part of first and only accredited DJ degree program in the world, empowering students to explore the artistry and business of DJing with confidence and creativity. Additionally, I’ve had the honor of mentoring the MCC DJ team, guiding them to success in competitions and performances while nurturing a culture of collaboration and growth.
As the founder of Gaspar Entertainment, DJ and Production Company, my vision extends beyond mere entertainment. I aspire to create immersive experiences that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. Through innovative productions, collaborative ventures, and community outreach, I seek to cultivate spaces where creativity flourishes, voices are amplified, and connections are forged across cultures and continents.
In essence, I am James Gaspar—a veteran, a DJ, and a cultural connoisseur on a quest to harmonize the rhythms of life. Join me as we traverse the realms of music, culture, and creativity, celebrating the kaleidoscope of human experience and embracing the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Craig Zahn is a multifaceted entrepreneur, musician, and marketing expert with a passion for crafting exquisite guitars and fostering musical innovation. His journey began as a musician, where he developed a deep appreciation for the artistry and soulfulness of musical instruments. Combining this passion with his extensive marketing expertise, Craig founded Zaar Guitars, a brand that embodies innovation, quality, and creativity. With a rich background spanning 25 years in marketing and innovation, Craig’s journey into the realm of guitars was driven by his lifelong love affair with music. As a seasoned musician himself, Craig understands the intimate connection between a musician and their instrument, fueling his commitment to create guitars that inspire and empower. Drawing on his marketing savvy and passion for music, Craig founded Zaar Guitars, where he seamlessly merges his strategic vision with his artistic sensibilities to craft instruments that are as visually stunning as they are sonically exceptional. Through Zaar Guitars, Craig seeks to redefine the boundaries of guitar design and innovation, offering musicians a platform to unleash their creativity and express themselves through their music. Zaar Guitars is not just about making guitars—it’s a company on a mission to the enduring power of passion, creativity, and craftsmanship in the world of music.
les@lesscottmusic.com
www.lesscottmusic.com