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OUR STORY
Since 2018
Michael J. Polo and Nick Johnson are both committed to spreading the arts through concerts, festivals, and fun learning experiences. The two first worked together in Vienna and have since collaborated on several innovate arts projects. They both believe that experiences in the arts can be enriching and enjoyable for audiences of all types.
During one of these projects, Michael mentioned to Nick an idea to create a card game that incorporated real figures from music history as a way to engage music fans and gamers alike. Nick, a professor of musicology, began designing a game that would be welcome in both his music history classroom and on the tabletop of any gamer, regardless of their experience with music.
Michael and Nick prepared a prototype that was first debuted at Gen Con, the largest gaming convention in North America, in 2018. After numerous successful playtests they began to recruit artists, beginning with Tamalynn O’Grady, who joined the team in 2019 as lead illustrator. A musician herself, Tamalynn brought an inventive artistic style that spurred an even more creative game.
Cosplayer and artist Stevie Bones was brought on in 2020 to round out the illustration team.
Nick Johnson, Ph. D.
Lead Game Designer
Nick Johnson is a historical musicologist and specialist in music of the 16th and 17th centuries and 21st-century popular music. As a Fulbright and Mellon scholar, Dr. Johnson’s research centers on intersections between music and the history of science, critical philosophy, and American rock music revivals. He is currently an Associate Professor of Musicology at Butler University and the Director of Graduate Studies of the School of Music. Dr. Johnson is also the Musicology Director of the Vienna Summer Music Festival and the host of the music and culture podcast “Classical Pairings,” produced by NPR-Affiliate WFYI in Indianapolis.
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An avid gamer, Nick has presented on gaming and education several times in “Trade Day” at the gaming convention Gen Con, and is a cast member of Monsters and Melodies, a Dungeons and Dragons radio show/podcast that features all original music.
Michael J. Polo Ph. D.
High Concept and Business Manager
Michael is the founder and CEO of Partners for the Arts Abroad|LLC, an organization which produces both professional and educational festivals in the fine and performing arts in cities such as; Vienna, São Paulo, Los Angeles, Sofia, London, Bad Kissengen, and Weyer. Michael's passion for education has led to more than 1,000 students participating in his international programs. During his tenure as President of the Fine Arts College Council at the University of Florida, Dr. Polo advocated for struggling arts organizations and facilitated the acquisition of over half a million dollars for more than thirty organizations. Dr. Polo's research in music and human physiology has led to new insights in how music affects different parts of the brain resulting in emotional change. He holds a Ph. D. in Music and Master of Science in Business Management.
Tamalynn O'Grady
Chief Illustrator
Tamalynn is a freelance cellist based in the Indianapolis area. As an avid chamber and orchestral musician, Tamalynn is studying to pursue a career as a performer and teacher. In addition to running a small studio, Tamalynn works as a high fashion runway model. Her love of the arts encompasses both visual and musical pursuits. An avid recitalist, Tamalynn often works with dance companies, ballerinas, and artists to create unique performances across disciplines.
Stevie Bones
Illustrator
Stevie is a graduate of The College of New Jersey, earning her BFA in Fine Arts with a focus in Photography and Art History. She is a freelance illustrator, cosplayer, and stars in a Dungeons and Dragons stream called Somewhere Bound. She’s worked as an artist assistant, helping with the design, construction, fabrication, and documentation process of Elizabeth Mackies piece for the 2019 FLOW Exhibit at the Philadelphia Independence Seaport Museum. Stevie also sells prints of her original artwork at an artist-run retail shop in Philladelphia’s South Street shopping district. Stevie has a love for story-telling, character design, and performing.
