Behind the Music: The Crazy Donkey's Rick Eberle

For the past five years Rick Eberle, who is CEO/President of PopCore Entertainment, has played a vital role in the Farmingdale entertainment scene.

“I have lived in many towns throughout my life but besides Merrick, where I grew up, I have spent the most time in Farmingdale," he said. "Whether it is working and playing music at , working at The Downtown or at The Long Island Radio Group, or just hanging out with friends to see great music and eat great food at , or The Crazy Donkey, Farmingdale is a mecca for entertainment and nightlife so I am drawn to it year after year."

Eberle represents music artists Charlie Dane and Myles Marcus, the social media company The GrubLife Group, hair stylist Nicholas Shatarah, as well as the music store All Music, Inc., among other clients.

He also works with John Hampson, the lead singer of the acclaimed Long Island band Nine Days, who wrote and recorded the pop hit “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” in 2000, which peaked at #6 on the Billboard Top 100 Charts.

In Farmingdale, Eberle handles public relations matters for ,  which was voted as the third best nightclub of Long Island this past year in the Long Island Press.

“Rick Eberle is one of the most diligent and persistent individuals in public relations. His work at The Crazy Donkey is an enormous reason as to why the nightclub ranked so high in the Long Island Press," said St. John's University student Gerard Ucelli.

Eberle started working at The Crazy Donkey in 2006. He works with the artists’ management and with the media to coordinate interviews, features, previews and listings, and to obtain and distribute photos, video and biographical information for the purpose of promoting the events. Eberle has booked many acts at The Crazy Donkey, and has played there with his own band, Iridesense.

“We have a very eclectic mix of music and crowds, making it a unique venue for everybody each night of the week. I also truly respect the owner, Gus Smertgis,” Eberl said.

Eberle’s proudest accomplishments include serving as a panelist at many conferences, being asked to judge music competitions, speaking at college classes, as well as being able to work professionally with national artists.

“He's so passionate about the artists that he works with. He's a rarity in the music business. He's one of the few that actually cares about the artists involved,” said Scott Vollweiler, owner of Broken Records Magazine and Photography.

The Crazy Donkey will be booking more acts this spring and summer. More information on these upcoming shows can be found on the Loaded Rock Shows’ official website.

“Live Nation and The Crazy Donkey are really giving back to the struggling musician and I think it’s great,” Eberle said.

Justin Sarachik, Process of Fusion vocalist and Editor-in-Chief of Broken Records Magazine, recently worked with Eberle.

"Rick is a great guy to work with," he said. "He made us feel at home in Long Island, even though we had never been there before."

Eberle advises youth aspiring to work in the music industry to network.

"Never say no to an opportunity. Don’t burn bridges," he said. "Stay off the pedestal and keep yourself humble."