Recent MA graduate (economics and cultural diplomacy) currently conducting research into how the music industry of Australia is changing. Before going back to grad school I worked about 15 years in the music business both in the USA and in Liberia. I've been living abroad since 2010 and am new to Melbourne and Australia (as of Feb 2016).

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Meeting and interacting with local folks is a far more rewarding way to visit somewhere. My roommate in Liberia used to host couchsurfers and I enjoyed the experience. Only been a guest on two occasions but really enjoyed it.

Interests

Live music (all kinds!), films, plays, art installations. Karaoke, especially when visiting new countries. I can appreciate silly kitschy things and am always curious about popular culture abroad. High art or low art, I can usually stay entertained. Not a sports fan but sometimes I enjoy the culture around it. An ideal evening is spent with a small group of good conversationalists in an environment where you can talk and listen to music.

• arts
• culture
• concerts
• environment
• movies
• music
• live music
• karaoke
• sports
• business
• economics

Music, Movies, and Books

Snobby stuff before pop candy but I'm not a hater. Jodorowsky probably is my favorite filmmaker. I usually prefer instruments to DJs. Music doesn't need vocals. Being in a dance club for hours is sometimes OK with the right people but normally not really my idea of a good time. Right now all I'm reading is about Australian rock history and intellectual property debates.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've seen thousands of artists play concerts working in booking for 10 years. A few of them were great. Most were just fine.

Teach, Learn, Share

I know how to play the sitar if you have one lying around. Tuning those are a real pain in the butt.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a good connector. I seem to know people almost everywhere. I am great at doing dishes and being self-sufficient. Unfortunately I am not a very skilled chef, though I love making tacos if I can find some tortillas in the store.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Cyprus, Ecuador, England, Finland, France, Ghana, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Dominican Republic, Germany, Liberia, Peru, Romania