Originally from Limerick, Ireland. Nick has been performing professionally for 25 years, in his native Ireland and across the US Midwest, where he has lived since 2011. His main creative output is as songwriter and frontman for the alt-rock 5 piece, Carswell & Hope.

Recognized by the Kansas Governor as the 2026 Emerging Arts Leader of the Year, Nick has wide experience with arts & cultural non-profits, community organizing, public art and professional development. Nick is a Senior Artist Leadership Fellow for the Mid-America Arts Alliance's Artist INC program, and a board member for the Heartland Song Network, program director for the Audio-Reader Network, and host of 105 Live on Kansas Public Radio.

Grace Hughes is a recent graduate of the University of Kansas, where she earned a degree in Communications along with certificates in Global Arts and Music Entrepreneurship. Grace has been singing and playing guitar at local venues since the age of 14 and has had a deep love for live music from an early age!

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During her time in Lawrence, she became an active part of the local music and arts community. She held leadership roles at the student-run radio station KJHK, serving as both Music Director and Program Director, and helped organize live music events through Student Union Activities as the Large Entertainment Coordinator.

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Currently, Grace is gaining hands-on experience at Kansas Public Radio as their Programming and Development Intern and is thrilled to join the Lawrence Music Alliance as their new Events and Engagement Intern, where she looks forward to supporting and celebrating the local music scene.

Clara Ketchell is a passionate music fan, and lifelong Lawrence resident. A recent graduate of the University of Kansas, she earned degrees Political Science, Sociology, and Journalism. Through growing up in Lawrence's vibrant arts and culture scene, Clara has seen firsthand the beautiful power of community-building through a shared love of the arts.

During her time at the University of Kansas, Clara led the student-run radio station, KJHK 90.7 FM, as Communications Director, Content Director, and then Station Manager in her senior year. In those roles, Clara worked to bring accessible live music experiences to students on campus, and to connect them with the broader Lawrence music community. She has also worked extensively as a freelance concert and event photographer for organizations such as 90.9 The Bridge and Kansas 105 Live.

Currently, Clara works as an Outreach Coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at KU, assisting prospective students in identifying degree paths that align with their passions and goals. She is so excited to join the Lawrence Music Alliance Team as Communications Director, and she looks forward to promoting and supporting the local music ecosystem in Lawrence!​​​

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Cameron Castaldi is a student at the University of Kansas studying Art History and Music. Originally from Olathe, Kansas, Cameron grew up surrounded by music, playing the piano and singing from a young age. His passion for art, media, and sound has shaped both his academic studies and creative pursuits.

At KU, Cameron has been involved with KJHK, the student-run radio station, where he served as Creative Director and Content Director while hosting Hip Hop and R&B radio programs. A trumpet player since elementary school, he also performed in the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble.

Cameron currently works as a Student Program Assistant at the Audio-Reader Network. As Membership and Media Director for the Lawrence Music Alliance, he is excited to expand outreach to members, strengthen connections within the Lawrence music community, and help promote the local scene through graphic design and photography.

Bill Sundahl is a music business professional and consultant based in the Kansas City area. He is the owner and principal at Z&W Unlimited, For-Purpose Consulting, and the founder of the Crossroads Music Fest, which began in 2005. CMF is a multi-venue, genre-spanning festival that serves as a vital fundraiser for KKFI 90.1FM Kansas City Community Radio and has grown into a showcase for local and regional artists, as well as a model for music-driven community engagement​.

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He is also a performing member of the Starhaven Rounders, an old-school country band based in Kansas City. Whether producing festivals or mentoring arts organizations, Bill brings a grounded, practical approach shaped by years in nonprofit leadership and a lifelong commitment to the art form of music.

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Websites:

• zwunlimited.com

• cmfkc.com