Mike Amari was the talent buyer at beloved music venue BSP Kingston (2011-2019), co-director of music for O+ Festival in Kingston (2015-2019), and most recently programming director at Opus 40 in Saugerties NY (2022-2024). In 2020, he launched Chosen Family Presents, bringing highly curated concerts and events to various venues in the area. From 2022-2024, he co-created the free, monthly Chosen Family Zine which featured a showpaper, local art, and writing.