age: 43
sex: M
I was born into a blue collar family in Fort Wayne. Dad worked for International Harvester, Mom for the State Welfare Dept.
Graduated from Northrop HS in 1980 in general studies with a major in music. I played the sax in every conceivable band that the school offered and I am a self-confessed painfully mediocre player. I sat the sax down for 20-odd years until a year ago when the wife picked up the guitar.
I took a few intro college classes and was a terrible student. A girlfriend at the time wanted to continue her graphics and fashion illustration in Atlanta. Within a few weeks of the decision I was living in Downtown Atlanta living hand-to-mouth. I loved that town
Moved back from ATL in 1989 to an interesting time in FtW music. This is when I started working with bands. Sound, promotion, video, photography. The scene was much more cooperative and diverse then.
In ATL I worked for a high-end consumer audio company. When I moved back I worked for Lehman's and sold audio for 10 years (with Mike Conley) I burned out on that biz and contacted a cousin who worked in television. I got my foot in the door and started at the very bottom. Within a year I was quickly promoted thru the ranks to a full Producer, producing promotional spots, commercials and weekly live call-in programs for PBS.
I did a short stint for the Auburn, IN cable system before I went to FOX55 as their production manager.
I am living proof that a little talent and a lot of BS will get you somewhere. Everything I know about shooting, editing, graphics and promotions, I learned on the fly at work. I still am envious of those who have finished college and received their degree.
In 1992 I married my wife Kris. Anyone who meets us think we are a fun couple and that she's a great foil for me. She's a great woman and I feel lucky to know her. We have no children as Kris is a cervical cancer survivor. One trip to Wal-Mart to see the screaming, unwashed little bastards is all the confirmation we need that we are fine where we are.
I have worked promotions and sound for The Agency Band and The Freak Brothers over the years. I will occasionally still do this but I have pretty much retired from that circus.
I have met some cool people thru FWM and still love live music. I have seen a majority of the local bands at one time or another and will continue to do so.
If you see us out, be sure to say Hi.
