The Team
Frankie
[Founder]
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Hey, I'm Frankie! I recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a major in biopsychology, and minors in music & anthropology. As a singer-songwriter myself, I know how important it is - yet, how difficult it can be - to book shows, find an attentive audience, and connect with other musicians in a meaningful way. So, I started The CoOp back in 2018 with the simple mission to create a place where musicians and music-lovers could come together and share their art. It is a joy to watch it grow and change over time, but remain a strong community for artists above all else.
Diane
[Artistic Director]
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What’s up! I’m Diane Salem and I’m happy you’re reading. I’m a rising senior at the University of Michigan, majoring in music and planning to continue my studies in medical school in a couple of years. Community means a lot to me! Having worked alongside Frankie throughout the establishment and very beginning of The CoOp and being present now, I’ve seen the progress and growth of this community. Most importantly, I’ve felt it’s goodness—the power of art, expression, and connectivity. I want you to be a part of this community, in whatever way suits you! Love and peace ヅ
Jordan
[Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator]
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Hey there! I’m Jordan Smith, a multi-instrumentalist, teacher and lover of all things music. I play guitar, keyboards and sing and perform the booking/promotion/social media tasks for my group Ma Baker. I also play guitar for Current Magazine’s best new artist of 2019: Liquid Thickness; both based out of Ann Arbor. I teach guitar, bass, piano and vocals to students young and old at School of Rock in Canton, MI. I couldn’t be more excited to help The CoOp connect with local businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations as the community outreach coordinator here. If you are interested in selling or displaying your products/services at our shows, feel free to contact me directly at Jfs1446@gmail.com!
Sam C
[Marketing & Communications Director]
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Hi there! My name is Sam Cantie, I’m a rising senior at The University of Michigan studying English and Business. I’m currently a Music Editor for The Michigan Daily, and I love all things multi-media storytelling! Besides music journalism, I’ve been involved in the Ann Arbor music scene through producing and filming a live music series called Standing Room Only (The Michigan Daily’s version of NPR’s tiny desk concerts). More than anything, I love working with artists to tell their unique stories; I couldn’t be more excited to take on Marketing for The CoOp in the pursuit of sharing and illuminating the talent and passion of each musician we work with :’)
Naman
[Treasurer]
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Hello, I’m Naman Gupta. I’m a student at Michigan pursuing a business major with a minor in performing arts management and entrepreneurship, and I plan to go to law school. Last summer I worked for Bonnaroo Music Festival’s marketing team in Nashville, and this summer I’m (virtually) interning at FCB, an advertising agency in Chicago. I’ve been very involved in music throughout my time in college as an event marketer, organizer, and performer, through student organizations and as a freelancer. I’m super excited to join The CoOp team and to bring people together through music.
Shelby
[Booking Manager]
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Hello there! My name is Shelby Reed. In addition to booking for The CoOp, I run another booking company called Outta This World Booking, LLC. I'm also currently doing some PR work for a record label, Young Heavy Souls, founded in Detroit. Despite devoting my life to the music industry, I'm not a musician. But my love for music, the impact it has on the community, and the way it brings my friends together is forever growing deeper. The CoOp was actually where I met my first business partner, who I went on to start booking shows with! And after booking close to thirty different venues in Michigan, the CoOp remains to be my favorite spot :)
Sam T
[Production Manager]
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Hi, I’m Sam! I love to make things. I’m currently attending umich and studying media and marketing, and I hope to work closely with event planning and production in the future. I’ve released and played some live music myself and with some friends, and these experiences have fueled my passion for fostering a close community within the local music scene. Organizing, playing, and executing shows have been the most rewarding and fun experiences I’ve ever had. I’m excited to put my production experiences to use with the team in order to grow this community and support our local talent!