ROCKWOOD AGENTS
Accomplished professionals from all corners of the music industry. Our agents are musicians, writers, coaches, promoters, festival organizers, producers, mentors, and experts in more.
BRIAN SWENK
Brian Swenk is an accomplished professional in the music industry recognized for his multifaceted contributions as a musician, writer, and business owner. As a member of the band Big Daddy Love, Brian spent almost ten years touring professionally throughout the country, experience which now empowers him to guide touring bands as they grow their presence in venues and festivals across the U.S. He has honed his skills as an agent and promoter in his work with prominent entities such as Midwood Entertainment and FloydFest, and explored his passion for music through writing as a regular contributor to publications such as Bluegrass Today and The Mountain Times.
In 2018, Brian took a pivotal step by founding Rockwood Booking Agency, a venture aimed at connecting artists with opportunities and audiences. The Rockwood team of agents and roster has more than tripled in size since 2022.
LOUISE BAKER
Before coming over to Rockwood Booking, Louise managed and booked acoustic artists throughout the country under her company Baker Booking. Louise was also a Talent Buyer at Asheville's premier listening room, Isis Music Hall, for more than five years and produced the folk concert series—Mountain Spirit Acoustic Coffeehouse for ten years.
Louise has been a songwriting judge for Southeast Regional Folk Alliance, South Florida Folk Festival, Falcon Ridge FF, and The New Song Competition. She has served on panels at Northeast Regional Folk Alliance, Folk Alliance Region Midwest, and Southeast Regional Folk Alliance on how to prepare to book gigs and the best practices for house concerts and tour management.
In addition to her role as agent, Louise is also a Rockwood Coach. She coaches new and established artists on best practices for growth and success in the touring music industry.
Katie Kirchner
Following 15 years in an executive leadership position in the field of Senior Living, music became a larger part of Katie’s daily life around the time COVID was happening. She was performing and touring as well as managing Full Cord since 2008. Leading a group of musicians was very natural to her and she was encouraged by the group and those in the industry to push forward with band management and more industry involvement.
Very quickly after that decision was made she connected with Becky Buller in 2022 and decided to dive in head first. In 2023, she was nominated for the IBMA Industry Involvement award and started her booking/management business, Katie K Wrangles, that same week.
Katie thrives in an environment of being a resource and a problem solver, utilizing the many friends and resources she has made over the years. She is a mom of two kids and two dogs and lives near the beach in Grand Haven, MI with her husband Todd (Full Cord). You can find her running stage crews at festivals, creating new relationships and connections while advocating for the music and the creators that work so hard in their craft.
Ash Wright
Ash Wright has worn many hats in the music industry as an artist manager, tour manager, musician, and booking agent. Wright is the co-founder of Carolina Ramble Productions (est. 2019) alongside her long time friend and collaborator David Brewer.
Ash has spent the last five years working in artist management with artists like Palmyra, Alexa Rose, and Altameda. She is also a long-time musician and performs under the name "Earleine."
With her well rounded experience as an industry professional, Ash approaches her agent work with empathy, knowledge, and care.
ROSE BALDINO
Rose Baldino, an Irish fiddle player from the outskirts of Philadelphia, has been a professional touring musician since 2006. A founding member of the Irish band Burning Bridget Cleary and Celtic Folk trio House of Hamill, and more recently a member of the Celtic Rock group Enter the Haggis, she's traveled extensively in the US and abroad. With more than 18 years of touring experience, Rose has played everything from tiny folk venues to large performing arts centers and international music festivals.
Rose actively advocates for and supports women in the music industry. Whether it's through mentorship, networking opportunities, or providing a platform for their voices to be heard, Rose is committed to leveling the playing field and fostering inclusivity within the industry. Her passion for amplifying the voices of female and LGBTQ+ artists reflects her belief in the importance of diversity and representation in music.
BRIAN BUCHANAN
Originally from Orangeville, Ontario, Brian Buchanan is a versatile musician, songwriter, record producer, and writer. With the Celtic rock band Enter the Haggis and the Celtic Folk trio House of Hamill, Brian has graced high-profile stages such as Milwaukee’s Irish Fest, Philadelphia Folk Fest, Ann Arbor Folk Fest, and the Kennedy Center. His work on ETH albums like “Whitelake and "Gutter Anthems" has garnered widespread acclaim while he continues to push musical boundaries and explore deep narrative themes with HOH.
Beyond performing, Brian is a skilled record producer and session musician, known for his proficiency on guitar, keys, and fiddle, though his talents extend to recording on a variety of other instruments. His deep understanding of music production enhances his ability to craft nuanced, compelling records. Brian’s freelance journalism complements his musical endeavors, providing thoughtful analysis and engaging stories that resonate with a broad audience. When he's not touring, Brian lives with his wife Rose and his cat Bagheera in the Lehigh Valley, PA.
BILL HOWARD
Bill Howard, a lifelong musician, has served as a talent buyer for Clementine in Harrisonburg, VA and is also on the committee that organizes Downtown Harrisonburg’s Levitt AMP Music Series.
Recently, he’s been booking and organizing an outdoor street music festival called Staunton Jams in Staunton, VA.
“I have had success over the years building a network of bands, agencies, and industry professionals through a relationship-building approach that Rockwood Booking certainly seems to embrace. I look forward to hitting the ground running!”
MARK BUMGARNER
Mark Bumgarner, like everyone at Rockwood Booking, has spent his life in the music world both as a performing artist and touring manager. His many years of experience on the road as a musician have developed the instincts he draws from as he helps bands grow their presence throughout the country.
Mark is also an accomplished songwriter with songs recorded by well-known artists in the bluegrass and Americana world, such as Balsam Range. He serves as host, emcee, and stage manager at national festivals and events throughout the year.
Mark's passion, knowledge, and kind nature are a perfect fit with the Rockwood Booking team.
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