JoAnn Kepler
- Manager
JoAnn Kepler (nee Zilz, Klass) enjoys 35+yrs in the entertainment
business and an excellent reputation working with high profile
musicians and recording acts from independent to large world renown
record labels. As a young teen, her theatrical career studying with the
Frances Lederer, and legendary Dorothy Barrett at the American National
Theatre of The Arts (ANTA), and took workshops at what is now known as
"Millennium Dance Complex" as seen on "So You Think You Can Dance," and
other TV shows. There, passing by The Osmonds, The Jackson Five, The
Brady Bunch cast, to name a few, was a weekly occurrence Taking her
dream to a professional level at age fifteen, JoAnn had several agents
that signed her on-the-spot, each highly sought after: Nina Blanchard,
Beverly Hecht and Don Schwartz. The latter, was to send her on her very
1st audition, in which she astounding her agents by booking it as lead
on a National TV Commercial; immediately joined "Screen Actors Guild
(SAG-AFTRA), and has been a member for over 35 years, since. Graduating
University Cum Laude, Kepler's first career post grad was in fashion
buying and merchandising; eventually honing in on her entrepreneurial
skills, creating her own fashion jewelry line and company featured in
many stores and catalogs. Kepler decided to focus on motherhood during
the late 80's to early 90's. One day, a friend overheard her saying
that she'd like to return to work and the next day, she was hired as
liaison to the endorsers of one of largest instrument lines, and thus
began a whole new career in music and back to the entertainment world,
for Kepler. With this musical turn, her career revolved around
world-class musicians, to National Radio Promotions Director working
with small labels to Atlantic Records, Blue Note, Sony, etc., Herbie
Mann's Record Label and Radio Promotions Representative, and later as
National Artist and Promotions Manager and A&R (Artists and Repertoire)
for a label later bought by Virgin Records; connecting details for
concert tour bookings and management, song selection for recording
artists and radio airplay edits, as well as assisting in producing CDs
from inception to final product. A Realtor®,as well as assisting
operate their radio syndicated programming, The Smooth Jazz Network®;
JoAnn and husband Allen have combined talents, connections and
knowledge enabling entertainers to grow their reach and help talented
actors and musicians further expand their careers.