Indie on Air! is a show that not only discusses the business of music but also helps promote indie acts. Classic uses his own personal awakening as his vehicle to do this show and follow his heart. Indie on Air! -”MUSIC IN ACTION” series debuts Jan 2010. This bi-monthly series features a 1 hour in-depth interview of musicians/artists who use their talent and creativity to benefit society through various charitable organizations. Classic shines the light on positive role models within the music industry from all over the world.
SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MUSIC!
Indie on Air! is the Voice of Independent Music. We provide a platform for indie artists and small business owners within the industry to be heard. Indie on Air! is neither owned by a Mega-Corp or Ryan Seacrest!
ABOUT “CLASSIC”
Jeff “Classic” Popka is a 1984 graduate of Purdue University- Calumet RHI (Restaurant, Hotel, Institutional) management program. He toiled in the corporate world for over 10 years. He was a General Manager for Baker’s Square Restaurants. He also served as a manager trainer for the South Chicago market in his capacity as General Manager while at the Lansing, IL and Merrillville, IN locations. During this tenure Jeff married his wife Jennifer and had 3 children: Jeff Emerson, Courtney and Brittany.
Jeff mistakingly took a job w/ a fast food corporation and served as a General Manager for over a year. Promises unfullfilled by this mega-corporation caused him to second guess the whole corporate gig idea and he decided to make a break for freedom.
The Popka family relocated to Southwest Florida and Jeff joined forces w/ a friend and opened a Seafood Restaurant and Bar in Ft, Myers Beach, FL. This endeavor was very wild and crazy, but allowed Jeff to begin promoting music events. After selling the restaurant, Jeff continued his management career w/ a 4 star Seafood Restaurant in south Ft Myers. After a season there he decided to give corporate America one more try. Ahh the illusions of money! Needless to say he was miserable. So, Jen and Jeff decided to head back to Indiana while the family was still young.
The next phase of “Classic’s” life, was perhaps the most intriguing. Growing up in NW Indiana (outside Chicago, IL) allowed him to understand the inside workings of politics( due to his fathers involvement) . He decided to pursue this field. He engineered a stunning upset by a County Commissioner underdog candidate. He was rewarded w/ a job as Superintendent of the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point, IN
While serving in this capacity he learned how the mob and politicians are entertwined. He ran with many unsavory characters but lived like a king. Luckily, while running the mid-level venue for the county, Classic began to learn the logistics of event management, concert productions, promotions etc. He worked with various promoters and artists while in that capacity. He was able to work a couple events w/ multi-grammy winner Jim Peterik and the Ides of March. Classic also conceptualized the Friday Night Bash series which ran for 3 years. In this capacity he also worked w/ The Exxies (courtesy of The Michael Essany Show), The Smithereens, Jackyl, Dave Mason etc. He helped countless local bands become regional bands. Some went on to sign national contracts. His son’s band (Torn Affair) became a hit in the Chicago area. They played the legendary Double Door in Chicago while Jeff Emerson(guitar) was only 17 years old. In any account, the fairgrounds period of Classic’s life taught him many life lessons. He also developed an amazing background of having helped plan and co-ordinate over 500 different types of events for over a decade. But, leaving the lifestyle was necessary as Classic recognized the negative impact it was having on his family. He didn’t realize it at the time but he was beginning to awaken.
Classic decided to leave NW Indiana and the false friend life of politics and relocated his family to Southern California. They lived the California beach dream for a year but it wasn’t all glamorous for sure. Alas the call of family and close friends beckoned them back to Indiana. However, during that time in So Cal, Classic realized the potential of the internet and served as an Executive Producer for many internet based shows on two different networks.
Life in Southern California also caused Classic to realize something was missing in his life. It was here he caught the spirituality bug. His interest continued to grow when he returned to Indiana. Shunning his past lifestyle and corrupt connections he began to focus only on promoting music, bands and events. This lead him to develop his own shows: Indie on Air!, Music in Action and the soon to be unveiled, The Indie Spirit.
Life is an interesting, twisting, turning journey. The details in-between Classic’s life has resulted in the book, ‘Becoming Classic”. This will be released soon. The finishing touches are occuring now. Music & Spirituality are now Classic’s life. Guns, drugs, felons and drama are a thing of the past. Good riddance. Classic survived the darkness and he can help you, too.
SERVICES:
Event Management, Planning, Production, Promotions
Band/Artist Development
Tour Planning, Development & Management
Venue Management
Artists who would like their music on the program or artists/professionals interested in being guests on the program should contact Jeff “Classic” @: greenplanet219@yahoo.com
All music is used by permission of the artist.
