Ben has been producing events since he was 12 years old. He attended the University of Virginia and studied Art History then went out to California to pursue a career in the music industry. Ben founded Artistzen after 20 years of experience in all facets of financial management relating to the entertainment industry, and the music industry in particular. He has worked in accounting for a record label, a night club, a theater company, touring artists, festivals, and he's worked Front of House in all of those places as well. His focus is on operational accounting; translating financial data into actionable information for musicians.
James Keane - Business Manager & Director of Operations
James Keane began playing guitar at age 10 and has been pursuing his passion to build a life around and in support of music ever since. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors Degree in Telecommunications Arts, James pursued his passion for playing guitar by co-founding the band DubConscious. DubConscious toured full time, often over 100 shows per year, from 2002-2010. Through this experience, James not only knows what it means to be a touring musician, but also received a crash course in all aspects of band management, from logistics to licensing, contracts, management, accounting and much more. These lessons led James to a position as Stage Manager at Bonnaroo Music Festival, and as Business Manager of at Artistzen where he represents Rising Appalachia and more. James can relate to the music industry from the eye of the musician, able to identify with the struggles and triumphs of an artist. This unique perspective offers him a comprehensive understanding of the services he provides and an ability to exceed the expectations of those he works with.
Ryan Babarsky - Account Manager
In Ryan’s childhood home, the stereo was always on, usually playing Classic Rock, Singer/Songwriters, and Folk. From a young age, she developed a deep passion for and fascination with music and musicians. After playing flute in the school band for many years, Ryan started teaching herself to play acoustic guitar at age 17. While studying English Literature and Music at the College of William and Mary, she also developed a love of Bluegrass and Americana. She formed The Rock River Gypsies with a group of like-minded musicians and upon graduation they relocated to Charlottesville, VA, performed regionally, and made one album. Ryan has held analyst positions in the financial planning field, the biofuel industry, and in health information services, and she understands the stories numbers tell. Her love of math, logic, and problem-solving combined with her passion for and experience with music give her the ability to provide excellent and caring service to Artistzen’s clients.
Grey O’Neil - Account Manager
Danny Piedrahita - Account Manager
Danny Piedrahita began playing hand drums at age 21 and has been playing in various styles and groups ever since. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors Degree in History, Danny continued his passion for hand drumming by producing the interactive community based Beat The Drum charity shows in the metro Atlanta area from 2006 - 2009.
Danny spent 7 years in the Automotive parts business, 8 years in Packaging and 5 years in the Chemical Industry. During this period he fulfilled roles in Sales, Marketing, Customer Service and most recently Sourcing where he gained his Certification in Purchasing and Supply Management from the Institute for Supply Management. Through these experiences, Danny built a well rounded skill set that developed a strong sense of business acumen.
From logistics to manufacturing, contracts to people management, Danny has a broad base of business skills continue leaning on. These skills led Danny to a position here at Artistzen where he applies his prior business experience to the world of Music Business Management. Danny knows and loves music and business and at Artistzen he combines them to best service his clients.
