OUR STORY

Just before launching in 2015, co-founders Morgan Bettes and Wade Hamilton found themselves faced with a problem – they kept hearing from Millennials in the Bradenton area who wanted more than what the area had to offer! They were sick of the typical bar scene and starving for  something more. What was the number one thing they wanted? Quality, live entertainment in their hometown. Determined to act rather than talk, Independent Jones was born. Founded on the desire to create more opportunities to showcase live music and celebrate local artists, Morgan and Wade felt that their city deserved more – more art, more experiences, more community. Independent Jones has since paved the way for live entertainment booking over 500 gigs since inception, and producing over 300 events to date.

Independent Jones has worked with groups including local farms like Honeyside Farm, Frog Song Farm, and Geraldson Community Farm, numerous nonprofits including Realize Bradenton, The Manatee Performing Arts Center,  and merchant associations, businesses like #1 master planned community, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch developer of Lakewood Ranch, and featured countless local, regional, and working our way to more nationally touring artists and bands.

TIMELINE

MEET THE CREW

Morgan J. Bettes-Angell

President and CEO, Waxwing Corp, Independent Jones

As CEO, Morgan leads the company’s impact and partnership development, and the company’s large-scale productions. Morgan has been managing markets for the last 6 years, and has been producing events in the entertainment industry for just over a decade. Morgan’s past experience was working and producing events in the non-profit sector serving the public while working with government and municipalities.

UNCOMMON FACT ABOUT ME… I played classical piano starting at 4 years old until I was a junior in high school.

IN MY FREE TIME… I love to eat and drink around the world with my family and husband!

MY HIDDEN TALENT IS… Tetris or foosball…

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN… Work hard, the rest will come.

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS… French fries.

MY SPIRIT ANIMAL IS… A wild horse.

Ryan Angell

Owner of Angell Media House and
Independent Jones Director of Photography

Ryan is a cinematographer and the man behind Angell Media House working with clients like Discovery Channel, Disney World, Tito’s Vodka and more. Ryan leads the company’s overall digital vision and content creation… Ryan makes us look good.

FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC… Top 40 and classic rock.

MY HOMETOWN… Venice, FL.

MY HIDDEN TALENT IS… I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under 2 minutes.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM… Professional baseball player and take photos for Nat. Geo & Discovery.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN… Treat others the way you want to be treated.

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS… Bacon and BBQ.

MY SPIRIT ANIMAL IS… A phoenix.

Antonio Hernandez

Chief Events Officer, Independent Jones

As Chief Events Officer (CVO), Antonio’s role is to collaborate, coordinate, and make things happen while aligning with the organization’s business strategies and vision.

UNCOMMON FACT ABOUT ME… I once trained for the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest, but failed to register.

IN MY FREE TIME… I wander the woods, the caves, the earth and the seas.

MY HIDDEN TALENT IS… Cooking.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN… Don’t judge an idea because you’ve already judged the person giving it.

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS… Tacos.

MY SPIRIT ANIMAL IS… Ant or a hawk.

“A better understanding of the impact that live music culture has on a community’s vitality, identity, safety, and overall quality of life, is essential. That’s what we’re here for.”