We recently connected with Eugene Gruber and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Eugene thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

Around 2012/2013, after performing at a local open mic, the host asked me to cover a gig for him. It was the very first time I was ever paid to play music. I basically played mostly original songs, because I was nervous and figured no one would notice when I made any mistakes. Then I filled in my set with familiar cover songs I know from the 1970s. It all went well and things really took off for me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

When I was very young I made a fake guitar with a cereal box, broom handle and tape. I liked pretending I was performing in front of people. In 1979 I enrolled in college, bought my first guitar and immediately started writing songs. I also learned a few cover songs and started going to open mics. Back then I played a few unpaid gigs and short stint working in a studio. Many years went by as a hobbyist. Then around 2012/2013 I played at an open mic at a place called Cafe Vino where I met the host Josh Becker. He said some very encouraging things about my performance and asked me to cover some gigs for him. From that point things took off for me. Soon I was emceeing at a local music festival and booking my own gigs. One night my wife dropped me off at the famous Summerfest music festival in Milwaukee and I sat outside the gate busking to folks going in. The next year I was asked to come play inside of Summerfest. There I met good friend Jon Rouse who asked me to be his assistant stage manager for The Ground Floor Stage. After several years I was given my own stage plot and created The 2nd Floor Local Artist Stage at Summerfest. I manage The 2nd Floor Stage, recruit and book local artists to play at Summerfest. I also created and manage a Local Motion Music Cart, which is basically a stage plot on wheels, contained in a cart that can travel around the Summerfest grounds or anywhere else. In the past 2 years the Local Motion Music Cart has also been featured at Glacier Valley Music Festival, also in Wisconsin. Aside from all of this, I play hundreds of solo gigs annually and have recorded 4 short CDs of original songs and have another one in progress. Over time I have learned many things about the entertainment industry, where I fit in and what’s important. There are lots of opportunities for anyone willing to put in the work. You have to get out there and start somewhere. Be friendly, kind and supportive of your local music scene. Do the same for your other local vendors at festivals, farmers markets, art festivals and venues that host live music. They are trying to live their dream just like you are. I absolutely love playing live music. I have also become a decent sound engineer. My solo act is Eugene Gruber Live. I am based in Wisconsin and have begun traveling the country to play. So far I have performed in Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, and Arizona. I manage and engineer sound for The 2nd Floor Local Artist Stage. I manage and operate the Local Motion Music Cart. I host and engineer sound for open mics. I feel very blessed to be on this journey. My hope is to tour more, play on some cool stages and keep making friends along the way.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of what I do is seeing how happy people are. There is a universal common bond regarding music in general. Live music brings people together from all walks of life making them feel alive and free. After pulling off a good song performance, leading into a familiar groove or caping off a show with a thunderous applause I see all the faces and feel the high. It’s an unmistakable vibe and it feels amazing to know that I’m the one who did that.

I get the same feeling when I book artists at Summerfest and they put on a world class performance. The artists and their crowd become infectiously happy and it feels so good to be the person who brought them together.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I believe that most if not all performing artists are extremely resilient in their own way. The entire journey is the story. Here are some examples from my journey. I play my guitar everyday even if it’s just for 5 minutes. When I have a gap in my performance schedule I attend open mics. It’s basically a good live rehearsal with potential to connect with a new audience and score a paid gig. I am prepared for and play in extreme weather situations. It shows the venue and your fans that you are dedicated you care about them. I recently performed for an outdoor dinner event in the rain. Important areas were sheltered from the rain and held umbrellas over the servers, guests and me while the evening carried on. It was amazing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eugenegruber.com
• Instagram: groupies_gruber
• Facebook: Eugene Gruber Live
• Youtube: Eugene Gruber Live

Image Credits
Candee Productions Inc Jamie Gellings Media Amanda Bowlin Photography