Directors
Meet WAMI's Board of Directors
Lance Shellman is a Fox Valley native who resides in Appleton, WI. He got his start in the music industry as a writer for the Madison-based music paper Sites and Sounds. Through his growing relationships as a journalist, Lance opened his booking agency, Anvil Productions, in 1996, which dealt mainly with Blues and Roots acts. Since then, he has added original and Cover Rock bands to his roster shortly thereafter. In 2002, he merged with Randy Bowles of Fortune Talent Live to form Bananas Entertainment, a Fox Valley-based agency that books and manages bands as well as buys for various clubs and festivals on a local, regional and national level.
anvilpro@aol.com
http://www.bananasentertainment.com
Ron Books Cherokee Rose Band
Steve Tomczyk is the owner of two businesses: AVXtra, a live video streaming services company and myriad-music, a live music recording company. Steve has webcast and recorded many WAMI and non-WAMI live events over the past several years. Steve is a multi-instrumentalist and has played in several Milwaukee-area progressive rock bands sporadically over the years. He has also worked for a Milwaukee recording studio, assisted in live broadcasts for local radio, runs audio and lights for local bands and volunteers his time to assist with the marketing efforts of Milwaukee’s Present Music ensemble.
Gerald Henley graduated from Dunbar Vocational High School in Chicago and holds two degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (music and pre-law). He has lived in Wisconsin since 1972 and has been involved in one way or another in the music business for 40 years. Gerald has worked as Director of Marketing Services at KI from 1999-2004. Gerald is currently the Director of Theatrical Productions at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and has been Stage Manager at Milwaukee World Festivals – Summerfest since 1990.
Paul Carter has been a WAMI member for 3 years and is currently Bass Guitarist for Saved by Grace, an all original Christian Roots Rock group. A true music lover, Paul also plays in an additional band, Miller Rhythm and Brews Revue; an all employee Classic Rock and R&B band from MillerCoors. Currently, Paul is serving his first term as a WAMI Board member. But, he’s served on several WAMI committees including Awards Show and Youth Showcase committees. Paul enjoys working with the youth and seeing them develop into great musicians. When Paul isn’t doing something music-related, he’s relishing in his other love… Harley Motorcycles. As he puts it, “My blood runs orange and black. Freedom for expression really unites when you are going down the open road on a motorcycle and listening to great music, whatever the genre.”
Todd Hall
Kennita Hickman Kennita is a freelance writer turned record label owner. Her work has appeared in MKE, Source magazine, Urbanology magazine and YoRaps.com. She’s also helped develop skateboard hip-hop duo The Cranberry Show in addition to hip-hop artist iLL B. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Kennita is committed to helping Milwaukee’s music scene thrive and show Milwaukee has talented musicians in all genres. She’s excited to be a Board Member in just her first year as a WAMI member and believes this is just the beginning of a long career in music.
Kevin Machan