Minakshi Singh started bartending at events and parties and fell in love... but legally, she couldn't bartend in an actual bar. It was the '00s in India, and despite that obstacle, she forged a career in the spirits industry and opened several bars. Starting with Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy, she followed with Sidecar (awarded as one of Asia's Best), The Brook, The Old House (in Nepal) and the later cofounded the India Bartender Show, creating the premiere gathering for bartenders and spirits folk in the nation. (Women are now allowed to work in bars in several Indian states... but not all!) Live music plays a big part in her venues, and she loves to rock. Check out her playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/43XOfGjnoKvsRlxvhah8hk?si=_349LflpTO63rWQOaN1P6w

Nathan Elliott can be found behind the bar at Scotch Lodge in Portland, Oregon, which just racked up James Beard semifinalist nomination but has been deeply appreciated by its community since opening in 2019 (Esquire magazine has already recognized it as one of their best bars as well). Nathan got into bartending the old fashioned way - trying to support his music habit. From his start playing in a No Doubt cover band in junior high, he made it all the way to LA and an official music industry break playing bass and singing with the group National Product. Once the tours ended, he stopped just picking up shifts and went for the full time bar thing, mastering craft cocktails and letting the music become a beloved hobby. Rock out with him here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/55WvNsHNR8JEn8FVTKBJ9d?si=guRfyMnVSq-z5psFvx8a2w

Ricky Ramirez didn't mean to own a bar, it just kind of happened. And even though he sort of wishes he took a little more time diving in, The Mothership in Milwaukee, WI seems to have done ok, racking up a James Beard Semifinalist nod this year. Ricky grew up with religious parents in the Latin community so screaming in metal bands and becoming a bartender was not really an expected outcome (or was it?), but after pouring too many craft beers he switched to craft cocktails and created an inclusive community space for his neighborhood. Check out his playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1GwK1VgttSQWOcF1uDKKJY?si=meAp7hT3QriH3XDHiRSBMw

Billy Weathers is bringing community to both the music scene and the cocktail scene of Des Moines, Iowa. He opened The Contrary just over a year ago after visiting craft bars in places like Chicago and San Diego, and decided his town deserved something like that. His vision has just earned the space a James Beard semi-finalist spot for best new bar. Billy also performs hip hop as B. Well, and continues to play a part in supporting local music and art, determined to bring the citizens of his town more culture to enjoy. Check out Billy's Listening Hour (and some of his music too!) here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3rB2vS8wPLh3OVGQKawpCl?si=9VzTZ9TySTyBLfaKxFI45A

Abigail Gullo, who you can find leading the program at New Orleans spot Loa, kicked off her bartending career in her native New York, where she trained (and drank) under some of the masters of the mid aughts. After honing her skills at Fort Defiance, she realized her other career onstage acting and singing was possibly behind her (although she's still ready of the opportunity arises!). She made her way to New Orleans, where she landed at the Commander's Palace family and moved to the award winning Compere Lapin, picking up several accolades along the way for herself. Check out this playlist of the songs she sings along to behind the bar: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5XLX1r8vpWOaNs52gYefs7?si=COmBvRThTEGAfcmxXI7uVQ

Charlie Lehmann & Cosmo Soto bartended in a variety of Sydney, Australia spots (from local dives to crafty speakeasies) before they had the opportunity to become owners of two music centric cocktail joints: Ramblin' Rascal Tavern and Double Deuce Lounge. They became the top selling spot for cognac in the country while also providing live tunes to their community, certainly haven't shied away from having some cheeky fun with their drinks, and provide some of the best playlists in town. There are many colorful characters in both the Aussie music and booze scene, and these two have some great stories about that and more! Then check out their Ramblin' Deuce playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1MBVg6ZQwU9xSmffOvvD5E?si=SVqU1sViQOKGRkK3GZFSDQ

Damien Cavicchi is owner of Jackson, Mississippi's legendary music spot Hal & Mal's as well as the speakeasy tucked away nearby, The Walk In. Although he isn't a trained bartender (his calling is to be the chef), he did put those culinary skills to use when crafting the spirit free cocktails for The Walk In. Likewise, he dabbled at guitar and fronted a band in his younger days, but his love of music is still an integral part of him and now he channels it into playlists for the bars. Check out his Mezcal Morning music here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/20FWIdbXJemvLobgHSx0OB?si=LVtRVvUbTomPjxqeBsz-3Q

Alex Howard, owner of Martha My Dear in Nashville, thought he was going to go into the music industry but got bit by the bartending bug instead. He came from a family of music creatives, and he went to college to study the music business himself and become a mover and a shaker. To pay the bills he got into hospitality, and the longer he worked in it, the more he loved it. From learning the basics at Ruby Tuesday and fine tuning his skills at Attaboy, he made the leap to ownership with a spot named after a Beatles Song and his mom. Ease into his indie stylings with this playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6dj7gHkVNeUwNqLlyhsoKk?si=NIoQ309dSuSLlfbI70ndkg