Shay Motion is a innovator in digital media and storytelling, shaping the narrative for businesses worldwide through his Emmy-Nominated filmmaking and James Beard Award-Winning creativity. With over 15 years in the industry, Shay has collaborated with Fortune 500 giants like Google and MTV, as well as influential figures such as Deepak Chopra, Russell Simmons, and musical icons Pharrell Williams and Beck.

An alumnus of Adelphi University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and certified in Full-Stack Software Engineering from Flat Iron School, Shay seamlessly blends artistic vision with technical acumen. His expertise spans from crafting captivating internet campaigns to architecting automated E-commerce solutions, empowering businesses to thrive in the digital realm.

As a Commercial & Documentary Filmmaker, Shay excels in capturing the essence of businesses and their core values, resonating with global audiences while maintaining a hyper-local connection. His innovative approach to digital strategy has garnered acclaim for its ability to drive engagement, foster community, and sustain long-term growth.

Shay Motion's journey from a "starving artist" to building a successful multimedia production studio underscores his commitment to leveraging digital tools for transformative storytelling and business success. Through his passion for creative expression and strategic foresight, Shay continues to redefine the possibilities of digital media, enriching brands and communities alike; All for the sake of enriching the Long Island Music Scene.

Better known to the ListenUp! family as DJ Jokr, the official DJ for our festivals, Jon serves a pivotal role behind the scenes for ListenUp! Whether it’s helping with booking, organization of forms, assisting with podcasts, or managing the Eventbrite, Jon steps up to any task given to him. You can always count on him to assist in getting things done, along with saying the perfectly timed one liner or joke that keeps us laughing, lightens up the atmosphere and brightens up the room.

Saul Garcia is a versatile professional deeply immersed in the realms of media production and live entertainment. As a camera operator, he adeptly captures compelling visuals that enhance storytelling and engage audiences. Saul also excels in running the live stream switcher for podcasts, ensuring smooth and dynamic broadcasts that reach a global audience.

His expertise as an audio and visual technician further underscores his commitment to delivering top-notch productions. Saul meticulously refines sound and visuals, ensuring each project achieves its highest potential.

In addition to his technical roles, Saul is a vital member of Voodoo Van Jam, a dynamic band where his talents as a musician and technical wizard converge. Whether on stage performing or behind the scenes optimizing audio-visual setups, Saul Garcia exemplifies dedication, creativity, and innovation in every endeavor.

Nadia Weinberg is a Media Intern at ListenUp! Long Island. She is currently a senior at LIU Post, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Game Design with a concentration in Digital Art & Design. With a deep-rooted passion for the music industry, Nadia brings a versatile creative skill set to the ListenUp! team, blending her talents in graphic design, illustration, and web design to elevate the visual identity of our brand.

From crafting dynamic promotional assets to assisting with video and podcast content, Nadia plays a key role in helping us spotlight Long Island’s vibrant original music and arts scene. Her eye for detail and love for music culture make her an invaluable contributor to our mission of creating compelling, community-driven media.

My name is Christian Dormier. I am a passionate and hardworking Audio Engineer and Musician with an immense knowledge of audio and music production. I graduated from Five Towns College in 2025 with a degree concentration in Audio Recording Technology, while majoring in music performance. I’ve been playing piano since I was 8 years old, developing a passion for music and a desire to pursue professionally. I first enrolled into LIU Post to study music education. While I was there, however, I developed a stronger interest in audio recording and music production, which led to me transferring to Five Towns College, a school that would better suit those pursuits. Since then, I’ve been looking for ways to strengthen my skills in the field of audio and music while learning new skills I can add to my tool belt, so to speak. At the end of the day, I aspire nothing more than to be another hard working American, with a slightly more interesting line of work.

Hannah is a recent graduate from Nazareth University with a BM in Music Composition. She is passionate about live event production, special media management and songwriting. Hannahs experience includes running socials for Rochester radio stations and the Nazareth University Instagram, working Lilac Fest, and doing sound for the Smithtown Performing Arts Center. Hannah is passionate about delivering authentic and engaging experiences. Her work is all about originality and finding unique voices through media. 

With experience in live event promotion, artist support, and content creation, I aim to deliver authentic and engaging experiences. 

Aspiring music industry professional. With experience in live event promotion, artist support, and content creation, I aim to deliver authentic and engaging experiences. 

Thomas Dean is currently an Intern at ListenUp! Long Island, assisting with Media and Sponsorship Outreach. Thomas is a recent graduate of Hofstra University, bringing with him a background in Film, Social Media management and Graphic Design. Outside of his work, Thomas is a passionate actor in Long Island’s Theatre scene. He is eager to expand into Long Island’s music scene and make a name for himself

My name is Alex Kolasa, I am a recent graduate from Adelphi University with a B.A. in Communications. I will be assisting with social media and content creation. I have a strong background in concert photography and enjoy working closely with local bands.

Brooke Weinstein is a rising senior at Penn State University, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations. Originally from Port Washington, Long Island, she is currently an intern with ListenUpLI, where she is gaining hands-on experience in the live events and entertainment industry.

In her role, Brooke supports social media, community outreach, and explores different aspects of the company, helping ensure operations run smoothly behind the scenes. She is also involved in content creation and day-to-day support across events and marketing initiatives.

Brooke has a strong passion for music, communications, and sales, and is excited to continue building her experience in the events industry while contributing to the growth of Long Island’s local music and arts scene.

Kara Quinn is a rising senior at Penn State University pursuing a major in broadcast journalism and a minor in sports studies. She has a strong passion for storytelling, media production, and digital content creation. Throughout her college experience, she has developed skills in social media management, video editing, on-camera reporting, and live event coverage while working on a variety of multimedia projects and productions.

In addition to her academic work, Kara has experience creating engaging social media content and covering events in fast-paced environments, helping brands and organizations connect with their audiences through creative and authentic storytelling. She is especially interested in sports and entertainment media and hopes to pursue a career in broadcasting and digital media production in the future.

As a Media Production Intern at Listen Up Long Island, Kara is excited to gain hands-on experience in video production, content creation, and event coverage while learning more about the music and entertainment industry. She looks forward to collaborating with the Listen Up team and continuing to grow both creatively and professionally throughout the internship.

Cassie Johanson is a rising senior at Penn State University from Merrick with a strong passion for the music industry, live events, and artist-focused experiences. Her experience includes live event promotion, festival coordination, sponsorship outreach, and event management through music and entertainment initiatives across Long Island.

Driven by creativity and community, Cassie is passionate about bringing people together through music while supporting authentic artist and audience connections. Her work focuses on creating engaging live experiences, building meaningful partnerships, and helping cultivate vibrant creative spaces within the entertainment industry.

Ryan Standard is a rising junior at Quinnipiac University, studying mechanical engineering. Originally from Center Moriches, he is currently an intern with ListenUp! and is gaining hands-on experience in the music industry as he attempts to further explore his passion for music.

In his role, Ryan contributes to artist promotion, music coverage, and creative projects within a fast-paced industry environment that values innovation and culture. His experience working across both technical and creative spaces allows him to develop a unique perspective on how storytelling, branding, and audience shape today’s music landscape.

Outside of music, Ryan has a strong interest in hands-on projects, fitness, and automotive engineering, all of which connect back to his interests in building, improving, and understanding how things work. He’s driven by curiosity, collaboration, and the opportunity to turn ideas into a real world impact.

Neida is a junior studying International Trade and Marketing at Fashion Institute of Technology. She is currently an intern at ListenupLI where she will be assisting in production assistance, apparel/production creation, and community outreach. She is eager to further knowledge herself in supporting the growth of Long Island’s music scene.

An on-air personality for GMFTC and the host of INDIE UNDERGROUND, where he highlights emerging artists and brings fresh, independent music and film scene to a wide audience. In addition to his broadcasting work, Adrian serves as the Social Media Manager and G/E Team for Garbage Day Productions, contributing both creative direction and behind-the-scenes support. Adrian is also a photographer & videographer behind his personal brand Kartalozimedia, capturing dynamic visuals that amplify artists, events, and storytelling.