Buffalo Boss Babe: Jennifer Brazill
Todays Buffalo Boss Babe is Jennifer Brazill the curator and founder of Borderland Music Festival happening this weekend in East Aurora N.Y. ! The Borderland Music + Arts Festival celebrates the rich history and renaissance of the region with a two-day music and cultural festival set in one of the most scenic and storied grounds in all of New York State, Knox Farm State Park. We chatted with Jennifer about Music, travel and what home means to her.
What made you start or brought you to where you are today? Tell us your story and what makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?
I started "accidentally" working in the music industry when I lived in San Francisco in the late 90's when my friends started an independent record label and asked me to be their assistant. Having always been a rabid music fan, I jumped in with both feet and never looked back. A long and windy road has taken me on a journey from working with the Dave Matthews Band, managing independent artists, producing records, licensing music, on private jets with my favorite bands and traveling the world. I worked and lived in almost every aspect of the music industry and landed 6 years ago in Vail, Colorado where I started my career in producing music festivals. I was a partner on a boutique winter bluegrass festival called WinterWonderGrass where I was able to take all of my experiences over the years and put them into one place . Festivals are like a blank canvas where you get to create a vibe by adding color and music and delivering the fans the best experience possible. Event producing is the perfect fit for me, yet I had to learn everything else along the way before I could confidently shine as a boss and a business owner. Being able to return to the home where I grew up and create a festival in Buffalo is a dream come true. It was one of the biggest things on my bucket list and the fact that it is actually happening in just a few short days is a bit surreal. The circle of life has brought me home and I am so grateful.
What does being a Buffalo Boss Babe mean to you?
Everywhere I travel I represent the 716 and take the Buffalo pride with me. It means so much to be considered a Buffalo Boss Babe as this is my hometown, my roots and my people. I couldn't be more proud! I wear a 716 copper necklace with a buffalo nickel on a chainlink that my sister gave me, everyday so its always close to my heart and reminds me where I come from. I am a Buffalo girl to the core.
Who are your favorite people to follow?
I follow a lot of "positivity" blogs just to stay on top of that positivity stuff.. Anthony Bordain was one of my all time faves (RIP) @yogagirl @emilybegins @ellymollina @earthyandy @humansofnewyork @kellyslater
What are your favorite things to do in the area (Buffalo and greater WNY)?
Having recently moved back to the area from the west coast, one of my many favorite things to do is to spend time with my family and friends. I have 5 generations of family in WNY so the roots go deep. I also love hiking, especially where I grew up in the country suburbs its so peaceful and beautiful, there are many hills to roam! I'm also a dedicated Bills fan and a season ticket holder so I am stoked the season is kicking off. I am also an over spender on eating out.. i am not sure I have cooked a meal at home all summer. Its so fun to explore all the new restaurants and hangs around Buffalo!
Tell me about your favorite collaborations or a dream collaboration?
I would love to work with Global Citizens Project! I am also fascinated with Humans of New York and would love to collaborate with someone who is pushing awareness so much globally. I would also love to create an event with Jack Johnson! (the musician).
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?
So.... this person is no longer living but I would have dreamed to have coffee with Jerry Garcia from the Grateful Dead. He started a movement in music that changed the course of the whole industry, music marketing, music taping, music community and music festivals. He was a power and a force and a genius and I would have loved the opportunity to sit with him and just get his vibe and hear his stories. I would also love to have coffee with Amal Clooney (Georges' hot wife) as I am fascinated with her grace. She is a strong,, beautiful woman out changing the world and fiercely involved in politics and she inspires me the way she involves herself. I also want to meet he Queen of England!
What are your hopes, dreams, goals? Big or Small.
Its pretty amazing, the power of dreaming BIG! The past few years I have tapped in to manifesting thru meditation and really believe we can do anything we focus our minds to. We have the power, with positivity and belief to create our own destiny. My next big goal is to produce an International Music Festival that really effects global change. I am a huge advocate for environmental awareness and sustainability efforts and would love to bring this message to countries who struggle. I want my next big project to focus to helping others and really pushing the boundaries for change. I also plan to buy a few acres in the country where I grew up and grow some big fat tomatoes!
Tell us about your family (2 Legged , 4 Legged) ?
I have spent so much of life on the road for work and gypsy living that I have not really put my roots down yet so I do not own any pets personally. I am a HUGE dog lover and its on my list to get a buddy this next year after I buy a house in the country. I'm still looking for that special guy and wont settle for anything but amazing. I am blessed to have a huge family with my sister, nieces, nephew, parents and dozens of cousins I am very close with and an extended family of incredible friends all over the world. Who are actually all flying in for the festival! I have always been lucky in life with my peeps... they rally for me through and through and allows me to keep taking risks because I know so many people have my back with support and love!
Feel Good Five :)
Color: Orange
Food: Thanksgiving Dinner is hands down my favorite meal
Super Power: I can read minds with my mind!
Animal: Dogs
Season of the year: Fall
Favorite thing about Buffalo: The People
We are so thankful for Jen and bringing such an amazing festival to our area! You still have a chance to get your tickets for this weekends Borderland Music Festival. Check out https://borderlandfestival.com/ to snag your tickets and see who is coming! I will be there enjoying all the hard work Jen and the whole team have worked so hard to accomplish!
Until next time babes!
-Carrie
Buffalo Boss Babes is a woman run blog series featuring women in and around the city of Buffalo N.Y.
If you know someone doing amazing things for our community, past and present, young and old..... send us a message at buffalobossbabes@gmail.com
Be kind to everyone you meet.
Here's to strong women! May we know them. May we be them
