ABOUT US
FOUNDING &
PURPOSE
Created in 2019, and cofounded and owned by best friends Austin Drake and Hezekiah Burton, Authentic Craft LLC (aka Authentic Craft Entertainment) is a music entertainment startup based in the Bay Area in California. Authentic Craft (AC) produces music, offers services for DJ-ing, and hosts and create events, via our website and other social media platforms.
AC started off as Hillegass Productions, a group formed to throw parties while attending University of California, Berkeley. Within a year the group was throwing parties consistently and eventually in 2018 threw a concert designed to highlight students who were also artists - known as Berkeley's Finest. The first concert sold out! After throwing another concert the following year in 2019, AC was born. Since the inception, our mission is to ensure all stakeholders have fun at our events, and bring out the authentic self in everyone.
WE ATTRACT PEOPLE WHO LOVE MUSIC
Our demographic is consumers who enjoy listening to recorded and live music, as well as enjoy the entertainment nightlife -- going out via bars, clubs, private events, and concerts. AC’s business philosophy is prioritizing authenticity, and intends to implement that philosophy in its services and value proposition, specifically being transparent and genuine with the artists, businesses, and customers the company works with in the best ways possible that materialize desired outcomes for all stakeholders.
NOTABLE
EVENTS
AC Juneteenth Weekend Mini Festival June 2023
Burna Boy After Party April 2023
All White Yacht Party
May 2022 Memorial Day Weekend
Make Westing Residency
May 2022 September 2023
Authentic Craft AC Launch Party August 2021
Berkeley’s Finest Part 2 May 2019
Berkeley’s Finest Part 1 August 2018
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AUSTIN DRAKE
CO FOUNDER CEO
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Raised in San Jose, California, Austin's passion for music and technology grew while attending the University of California, Berkeley and going to the Haas School of Business. From self-promoting house parties in college apartments to producing concerts, festivals, and fashion shows, Austin has gained a wealth of experience. His love of music and experience has led him to solidify Authentic Craft, LLC as a business. As a founder, artist, and DJ, Austin strives to change the way we connect through music.
Austin is also the Director of Communications for the Urban League of Greater San Francisco Bay Area, where he engages in education, social justice, economic empowerment, and professional development.
HEZEKIAH BURTON
CO FOUNDER CEO
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JEDIDAH BURTON
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
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NELLY GONZALEZ
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Meet Yaneli Gonzalez, our Chief Officer of Marketing and a true San Francisco local with an unwavering passion for the Bay Area's vibrant culture. Yaneli's journey led her to UC Berkeley, where she obtained a degree in social welfare, laying the foundation for her dedication to making a positive impact on communities. Yaneli's heart lies in juvenile justice diversion, where she works tirelessly to create a better future for young individuals as a Restorative Justice Coordinator. However, her creative spirit and love for connecting people and communities have always drawn her towards the realm of marketing.
During her time at UC Berkeley, Yaneli honed her marketing skills by taking up leadership roles in various clubs. There, she excelled in tasks such as recruitment, event planning, promotion, and social media management. These experiences solidified her belief in the power of marketing as a tool to unite people with shared passions and values. In her free time, Yaneli enjoys the rhythm of life through dancing and channeling her creativity by writing spoken word and music. Now, as part of the Authentic Craft team, Yaneli continues to harness her marketing prowess to bring our unique vision to life. Her innate ability to understand the pulse of the Bay Area culture ensures that our brand remains authentic and resonates deeply with our audience. With Yaneli Gonzalez leading our marketing efforts, Authentic Craft is more than just a business; it's a movement. Together, we strive to create a community that celebrates art, culture, and unity.
ZOEY HILL-FORD
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
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Zoey was born and raised in SF Bay Area and graduated from San Francisco Cooking School. She's currently doing research and development for multiple organizations. Zoey has an embedded passion for building community wherever she goes.
