Faces of #MakeMusicHartford: Stephen Cusano
Local musician and entrepreneur Stephen Cusano has made a name for himself, both on and off the kit. In addition to playing drums for multiple bands, Cusano is the founder and owner of Parkville Sounds, a one-stop shop for musicians, students, and recording artists who need everything from a studio to rental equipment.
Last year, Stephen hosted the Dueling Drums spotlight event outside of his studio on Bartholomew. This year, he's stepped up as a planning committee member and the Parkville Neighborhood Music Hub organizer! Parkville Sounds will be hosting Dueling Drums, an open jam session, the Parkville Pickles (the studio's new youth rock ensemble), and The Dance Collective, starting at 3pm.
What is your instrument(s)? If not a singer/musician, what is your connection to the arts?
Professional drummer
What do you do other than the arts – professionally? Hobbies?
Love going to baseball games, traveling, exploring new food/drink
What drew you to MMH?
Amanda Roy is the bomb. She approached me with this idea about a year ago and I've been in ever since!
What drew you to Hartford and what is making you stay?
I received my bachelors' degree in Jazz Studies at The Hartt School of Music / Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz in 2015. I've been in love with Hartford; the artists and the food that surround this city since my freshman year. My peers working and striving to make Hartford a better place has been what's keeping me going.
What is your favorite genre(s) of music?
Plain and simple...I love all music.
Top 3 favorite things about Hartford:
- Large variety of authentic foods
- Tight knit community
- You can do you in Hartford. There are endless possibilities to do what you desire.
Fun fact:
I have a cat named Harper
What part of MMH are you most looking forward to?
Excited for the whole day! We are hosting a jam in the Parkville neighborhood from 4-8pm. The first ever Parkville Sounds' Rock Ensemble will be performing at 6pm.
Hopes/dreams/wishes for Hartford:
Bring back the Whalers.