Sugarshack is an entertainment and discovery platform for music lovers. We connect you with artists through sound, visuals, and real-life experiences.
Our mission is to celebrate raw, authentic music and foster genuine connections between artists and audiences. From intimate backyard sessions to live community events, we create spaces where music is not just heard, but felt.
We believe in real talent, meaningful moments, and the power of music to bring people together.
Back in 2014, in a little backyard in downtown Bonita Springs, Florida, a few friends had a big idea: to capture live music in its rawest, most intimate form and share it with the world. Inspired by iconic formats like MTV Unplugged and NPR Tiny Desk, the Sugarshack Sessions was born as a YouTube channel dedicated to stripped-down, soulful performances under the palms.
In those early days, the Sugarshack crew filmed local and regional bands simply to give them something valuable, high-quality live videos on a world-class platform. No charge. No catch. Just love for the music and a desire to create something real.
And while the sessions quietly unfolded behind the scenes, a brand was blossoming. The audience grew organically, first regionally, then nationally, then globally. The seed was planted. We nurtured it. And it grew into something none of us could’ve imagined.
After four years of burning the candle at both ends, working full-time jobs by day and chasing the dream by night, the founding team took the leap. We quit our jobs and went all-in on Sugarshack.
Over a decade later, what began as a backyard passion project is now a thriving creative collective. We’ve built careers for a 20-person team, cultivated an online community of over half a million subscribers, and reached more than half a billion views worldwide. From local acts to international stars, Sugarshack has become a global stage for artists of all kinds.
The Sugarshack Sessions Experience. In 2022, we opened our doors and invited the public into the backyard where it all began, with the launch of the Sugarshack Sessions Experience.
This isn’t a concert. It’s a front-row seat to the creative process. You’ll witness a live recording session, start to finish, and be part of the story behind the camera. We provide a chef-prepared three-course meal, an open bar, and premium Bluetooth headphones so you don’t miss a beat.
From backyard roots to global reach, Sugarshack is still powered by the same spirit it started with, passion, creativity, and community.. We invite you to come experience it for yourself.
The Next Chapter: Sugarshack Downtown. In January 2025, we opened the doors to Sugarshack Downtown, a 20,000 sq. ft. live music restaurant designed to celebrate everything we’ve built over the past decade. Within these four walls lives the full Sugarshack vision, a retail store showcasing our brand and artist collaborations, two lively bars and a full-scale restaurant. Sugarshack Downtown is now the premiere live music venue of Southwest Florida, built to keep the music alive and thriving for our community.
The passionate minds shaping the
future of our company
Our team is a group of passionate experts driven by creativity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. We bring together diverse skills and experiences to build solutions that make a real difference.
United by shared values and a bold vision, we work together to push boundaries, embrace new ideas, and turn challenges into opportunities.
Gnomeo
CHAIRMAN OF THE DECK
Eddie Kopp
FOUNDER | CREATIVE DIRECTOR | EDITOR
Alex Casement
EXECUTIVE & FINANCE DIRECTOR | AUDIO DIRECTOR | CO-FOUNDER
Justin Kaczmarek
MUSIC CHANNEL DIRECTOR | VP COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION | CO-FOUNDER
Arian Antonucci
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER | ART DIRECTOR | CO-FOUNDER
Spencer Paterson
DIRECTOR OF DETERMINED SOLUTIONS / CO-FOUNDER
Elard "Chino" Yong
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & STRATEGY
David Alpert
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SUGARSHACK DOWNTOWN / VP PARTNERSHIP
Bryce Ivie
EXPERIENCE DIRECTOR / VENUE MANAGER
Barrett Zablo
ASSISTANT AUDIO DIRECTOR
Nick Chionis
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Philippe-Peter Rodenbach
MERCHANDISE AND RETAIL MANAGER
Julia Szilagyi
EVENTS & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Aldo Yong
3D PRINT SHOP MANAGER / DRIVER
Brian Blount
AUDIO ENGINEER
Russell Depa
DIRECTOR OF PRINT SHOP
Dylan Sweeney
PRINT SHOP PRESSMAN
Cody (CJ) Johnson
DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP
Chef Greg Letsch
EXECUTIVE CHEF SUGARSHACK EXPERIENCE
Marina Kelley
SPONSORSHIP ASSOCIATE
Experiences exist to bring people into the heart of live music productions, creating authentic connections that bridge our digital brand with our physical community.
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Sugarshack Downtown, located in the heart of Bonita Springs, FL, is a live music venue and restaurant brought to you by the founders of Sugarshack Sessions.
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Sugarshack Music Channel shares live music on YouTube and Spotify with the world. Connect with artists through authentic and unforgettable experiences.
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We create cinematic commercial productions for your brand, crafting authentic stories that connect commercial vision with powerful visual impact.
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Our Print Shop creates top-tier merchandise for brands like yours, blending design and quality to bring your vision to life and strengthen real-world connections.
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Join our community for first access to merch drops, concert tickets, and downtown events.
