by Andrew Marx

Dara Shifrer escaped from her role at the front of the classroom in order to pursue her 5-year long dream of grad school. Even after two years of talking about it, I still don’t know what she’s studying. But no matter, the pursuits are wholly gratifying by all accounts. Her origins hearken back to California, and we met in Las Vegas during our freshman year of college. Together, we founded a little slice of irrational literary heaven called Suedomsa the Magazine.

She made the great escape to Austin, TX in 2002 and there has found herself home. Her unique take on life and music has made her a lively and irreplaceable contributor to our website concert-central.com. I have always admired her dedication to unsigned, local and indie bands, and I believe that she will continue to support the independents even when she can afford to patronize the mainstream.

Dara is the co-author of What Do You Say to the DJ? on sale January 20, 2009.