GEAPS Exchange opens with rock legend Sandy Gennaro

The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) opened it's 2024 Exchange with a keynote from Sandy Gennaro. Gennaro's career as a renowned drummer spans over five decades, showcasing his remarkable talent alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry. Throughout his illustrious career, Gennaro has toured globally and recorded with a plethora of celebrated artists including Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Bo Diddley, Johnny Winter, The Monkees, Joe Lynn Turner, Michael Bolton, Benny Mardones, Craaft, The Mamas and Papas, and Jon Paris. His journey has been marked by several Top 10 hits, and he has entertained over a billion fans worldwide.

In his keynote address on the first day of the GEAPS EXchange, Gennaro shared heartwarming anecdotes from his career, including a pivotal encounter in 1981 with a fan named Dave. Despite being in a hurry, Gennaro chose to engage with Dave, a decision that eventually led him to join Cyndi Lauper's band and contribute to the iconic track "Time After Time."

Gennaro's story is a testament to the power of small gestures and staying true to one's passion. He fondly recalls his early days, influenced by the Beatles' performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, which ignited his dream to become a drummer. His journey from playing in local bars to performing on international stages is a striking example of how perseverance and love for music can create an extraordinary career.

His advice to aspiring musicians and  grain handling professionals is to nurture a positive attitude, visualize success, and believe in a higher power guiding their journey. Gennaro's remarkable story is not just about rock and roll but is a beacon of inspiration, showcasing that with belief, hard work, and a bit of serendipity, dreams can indeed become reality.