Brad Koepenick (MODERATOR)

Brad Koepenick is a working actor, having appeared in an array of stage, television and film productions, as well as dozens of national commercials. He’s also a film producer, whose titles include Cinema Twain, Shakespeare High and the A24 Film, V A L (winner of the Hollywood Critics Choice Award, premiered Cannes Film Festival 2021/2022). Brad was also the subject of Alex Rotaru’s Award winning film, Autistic Kids With Cameras, which highlighted the work he’s done with youth on the spectrum. 

A corporate spokesman for various companies, Brad is the co-founder and president of SparkRise, a game changing solution where nonprofits can garner support from businesses and activists. He is an active arts education advocate and supporter of organizations such as Human Impact Productions, Twainmania Foundation, Get Lit, the Educational Theatre Foundation and Inner City Shakespeare. 

Brad is also a teacher and proud receipent of the Hart Vision Award, given to him for being named California Charter Teacher of the Year.

John Lawson

John’s journey with music began at the tender age of three, and by four, he had embarked on formal piano lessons. He dedicated 18 years to studying classical piano, eventually majoring in piano and theater in college. His life took a dramatic turn at age 30 when he suffered an electrical accident that resulted in the amputation of both hands. John spent six months recovering at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill.

Despite this life-altering experience, John emerged with renewed determination. He became the first double hand amputee in the United States to be trained and certified as a private pilot, and the first in the world to qualify as a PADI Scuba Instructor. John has since logged over 500 flight hours and nearly 1,000 dives in oceans across the globe.

For the past 35 years, John has been a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, both in front of and behind the camera. He has built an impressive career as an award winning actor and director, with over 58 credits in film and television. His work has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his recent accolade: the Festival Outstanding Actor Award at Slamdance in Park City, Utah for his role in the feature film DARUMA.

Jason Goulet

Jason Goulet, an award-winning filmmaker, started his career in front of the camera thirty years ago. Since then, he’s established himself as a well-respected writer/producer. With a certification in Screen and TV Writing from UCLA Jason has helped craft compelling narratives that have captivated audiences. Over the course of his career, he has produced ten short films, which have garnered acclaim on the international stage. His films have collectively won more than 80 awards from prestigious festivals and competitions around the world, solidifying his reputation as a visionary storyteller. Jason’s work shows his dedication to the craft of filmmaking. His ultimate goal is to have a successful production company so he can employ people with disabilities in front or behind the camera.

Coolie Ranx

Coolie Ranx is from two legendary Ska bands in NYC. He was for many years the Frontman of New York City’s own The Toasters. They are responsible for putting Ska on the map in America. The Toasters formed Moon Ska records which was home to a multitude are Ska bands that later became Coolies allies once he departed The The Toasters to start his own band Pilfers. 

Pilfers are a legendary band from New York City, who created Raggacore an infectious, unique sound. Their sound, named “raggacore,” blends pop, reggae, dub, hardcore, and ska. Fans love Pilfers for their intense live performances that encourage constant crowd participation. Followers of Pilfers have been affectionately named “Pilfers Crew.”

Formed in 1997, Pilfers toured internationally with the likes of 311, Bad Brains, Zebrahead, Reel Big Fish, the Specials, Madness, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Amazing Royal Crowns, the Mr. T Experience, Mustard Plug, and Goldfinger. Pilfers released three albums including Pilfers (self-released), Chawalaleng (Mojo Records), and “From Far (self-released). In the summer of 2001, the band broke up but remained friends. In 2005 they began a series of reunion shows but took a hiatus as family life called. In 2015, Coolie Ranx reformed the band with the best of New York’s musicians. The band now tours regularly to meet the fans’ demand for more. 

2025 met the release of Pilfers hidden Album Chawalaleng after 25 years released by Sony Records. Due to this the original line up reunited for a few shows 2025 and recorded a new record. Coolie Ranx has been working very hard in the studio a few releases are set for the end of the year into 2025. Look out for a new release from Pilfers “Untitled” coming in January 2025!