I work as a talent buyer/marketing director for a concert and event production and promotion company in central Illinois called Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment. I discovered the Avett Brothers in the summer of 2007 after receiving a copy of Emotionalism in the mail from Paul Lohr, the band's booking agent. After a few weeks of it sitting on my desk, I finally opened it and played it while I was working. I was instantly intrigued.

Something about the Avett Brothers music connected with me instantly. After almost 32 years on this earth, and almost 12 years working the music industry, I've never felt as strongly about any other artist and their music as I do about the Avetts. Depending on the day a different Avett tune would be my favorite. Depending on the day I'm able to find personal connection with different songs and lyrical phrases spanning the band's entire catalog.

I saw them live for the first time in February of 2008, when they played the first show I ever promoted for them at the Canopy Club in Urbana. The live show blew all my expectations out of the water and I now can't get enough. I saw them live 6 times in 2008 and have seen 3 times this year as well. They are the greatest band ever - and I realize how bold of a statement that is. But, if you're ready this, chances are you feel the same way.

I'm proud to be part of this community.