Industry Prowess. Wit. And a contagious drive. Chris Gero is the founder of Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc. With a history in the industry spanning more than 30 years, he's earned the respect - and friendship - of some of the biggest names in the business.
Gero has overseen some of Yamaha's most successful and enduring artist collaborations, increased Yamaha's presence among both professional and amateur music makers worldwide, and produced the largest concerts in Yamaha's 110-year history. Widely regarded as a world class image-maker, Gero is responsible for the management and profiling of all of Yamaha's top talent, having signed more than 2,000 artists to contract during his tenure.
As a concert producer, Gero has worked with literally a who's who in the recording industry. A few of the artists who have graced his stage include: Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Norah Jones, Brad Paisley, Natalie Cole, John Legend, Patti LaBelle, John Mayer, Brian Wilson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sara Bareilles, Michael McDonald, Brian McKnight, Bruce Hornsby, and Kenny Loggins to name a few. Gero's exacting standards and keen attention to detail has earned him the sterling reputation of a first rate producer.
With a keen understanding of artist relations, branding and marketing, Tara Eifert provides strategic direction and leadership to Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc. As a founding member, Tara helped build the company into the empire it is today: a star-studded roster that includes some of the world's most beloved musical performers from a wide variety of genres. Paul McCartney, Norah Jones, Justin Timberlake, Sheryl Crow, James Taylor and Alicia Keys are just a few of the partnerships that she helps manage.
For more than a decade, Tara has served as the Editorial Manager of Yamaha's All Access magazine, which has featured profiles of such prominent artists as Avril Lavigne, Keane, James Blunt, the incomparable Jeff Lynne and the late Ray Charles - to name just a few. Tara plays a pivotal role in the creation of artist signature marketing projects, such as the unprecedented, highly successful Elton John Red Piano series.
Tara's thoughtful direction and keen eye for detail has been a vital asset in producing some of the most successful concert productions in Yamaha's 120 year history - including the "Tribute to Michael McDonald" in 2000, available on DVD, and the "Tribute to Elton John" in 2003. She is most proud of the millions of dollars she has raised for music education, cancer and AIDS research through the concert and silent auction events she has produced.
Ben brings more than a decade of experience as a musician and audio engineer to his position of Artist Relations Coordinator at YCAA. These passions and skills have served him well in day-to-day interactions with artists, musicians, and their support staffs from around the world. After graduating with a business degree from Belmont University's renowned Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in 2004, Ben worked with several Nashville-based recording studios.
He joined YCAA in 2007, eager to showcase Yamaha's legendary products to the music community at large. His hands-on experience in the studio makes him especially knowledgeable to serve not only Yamaha users but also those of Steinberg, makers of the audio editors Cubase and Nuendo. For the launch of YCAA's All Access 360 site, Ben studied under YCAA Vice President Chris Gero and essentially learned from scratch the complexities of camera work, video shoots and editing. This newly acquired skill set combined with the travel involved have made it one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of his job. Ben continues to enjoy audio engineering and making music in his spare time from his home-based studio.
Anamarie began working at YCAA in July 2007 and serves as the Piano Logistics Coordinator, a position that involves assisting with global piano placements for artist use. These placements include television, film, tours, concerts, and any other outlet you can dream of when an artist might need a piano for a performance. Tasks also include assisting with YCAA concert production and new artist endorsements.
Originally from Anchorage, AK, Anamarie moved to Nashville, TN in August 2002 to attend Lipscomb University. While there, she studied marketing and music, with an emphasis in classical piano performance. She was also involved in various college music ensembles, including concert band, jazz band, early music consort, piano accompaniment, and student recitals. Her current role at YCAA allows her to provide exceptional instruments to talented musicians, who in turn, are able to change the lives of others through their music, and she takes great pride in that.
In the well-oiled machine that is YCAA, Tiffany is tasked with running the PR department and coordinating special projects. She has an extensive background working in the media, whether behind the scenes as an editor, writer and photographer, or in front as a public relations representative and spokesperson. These skills have proven invaluable in her role as the chief word-spreader of all things related to Yamaha artists and the instruments they play.
During her tenure, Tiffany has formed long-lasting relationships with many industry-leading contacts and artists. In addition to writing and distributing press releases, Tiffany is responsible for updating several websites, acts as project manager for the "I Play Yamaha" campaign, oversees the placement and distribution of Yamaha artists photography, serves as production coordinator for All Access magazine and producer and interviewer for All Access 360, the behind-the-scenes videos and website that she helped launch in January 2009. Tiffany graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism.
Andrea joined YCAA in December of 2003 and has since gained an invaluable experience in various aspects of the music industry. Bringing with her a vast experience in customer service related positions - from healthcare organizations to 4-star restaurants - she has managed to combine her passion for interacting with people with her passion for arts and music. In her current position as Piano Logistics Manager, she assists with new artist/musician endorsement negotiations, artist/musician tours and accommodations as well as product placement for TV/Film and Video productions. She also assists with YCAA concert productions and office management.
Born in Palm Springs, CA and raised primarily in the West, Andrea moved to Nashville in the summer of 1995 to be part of the music community. When the opportunity came to interview for a job with YCAA, Inc., she was thrilled to learn she would still be involved in music. However, to the extent at which she is involved was never imagined. Her continued work in this industry gives her a unique opportunity to interact with music dealers, tour and production managers, backline companies, musicians, artists, and colleagues that reach from around the corner to around the globe.
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