Meet the Team
Writer- Nicky Siano
Nicky Siano is a true pioneer of the dance music scene. In 1972, at the age of 17, he co-owned, designed and was the DJ at The Gallery, frequently referred to as ‘The First Disco.’ He pioneered many musical techniques that are considered commonplace, including beat matching, crossover and the first club bass horns. After The Gallery closed, Siano was hired to serve as the first DJ at Studio 54.
He helped launch the careers of Grace Jones, Loletta Holloway, Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles. Of the early, most influential DJs in New York, Siano is the last survivor.
“If anyone is to be called a legend it is SIANO.” New York Magazine,
"Nicky Siano invented the segue." New York Magazine
"100 People who Changed New York." -New York Magazine
"Nicky Siano IS dance music." Play Magazine
“DJ Legend Nicky Siano remains an important figure in the music industry.” Time Out Magazine
Nicky Siano is a true pioneer of the dance music scene. In 1972, at the age of 17, he co-owned, designed and was the DJ at The Gallery, frequently referred to as ‘The First Disco.’ He pioneered many musical techniques that are considered commonplace, including beat matching, crossover and the first club bass horns. After The Gallery closed, Siano was hired to serve as the first DJ at Studio 54.
He helped launch the careers of Grace Jones, Loletta Holloway, Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles. Of the early, most influential DJs in New York, Siano is the last survivor.
“If anyone is to be called a legend it is SIANO.” New York Magazine,
"Nicky Siano invented the segue." New York Magazine
"100 People who Changed New York." -New York Magazine
"Nicky Siano IS dance music." Play Magazine
“DJ Legend Nicky Siano remains an important figure in the music industry.” Time Out Magazine
Director- Luke Poling
Luke brings an immersive approach to documentary filmmaking. A Poling film is one in which you are never the audience member. You are placed in the story experiencing history firsthand as it’s happening. Audiences have enjoyed being transported to fabulous cocktail parties at George Plimpton’s apartment and to the depths of Alabama for boar hunting alike with equal excitement and captivation. His style andtalent are the perfect partner to Nicky’s exquisite footage, expressive historical anecdotes, and his extraordinary life thus far.
Films include:
Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself (Feature film, New York Times’ Critic’s Pick, “A” from Entertainment Weekly)
The Defenders (Feature film)
Spearhunter (Short film, debuted SXSW, reviewed in Maxim and The Atlantic)
My First Time (Short flim series produced for The Paris Review)
Luke brings an immersive approach to documentary filmmaking. A Poling film is one in which you are never the audience member. You are placed in the story experiencing history firsthand as it’s happening. Audiences have enjoyed being transported to fabulous cocktail parties at George Plimpton’s apartment and to the depths of Alabama for boar hunting alike with equal excitement and captivation. His style andtalent are the perfect partner to Nicky’s exquisite footage, expressive historical anecdotes, and his extraordinary life thus far.
Films include:
Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself (Feature film, New York Times’ Critic’s Pick, “A” from Entertainment Weekly)
The Defenders (Feature film)
Spearhunter (Short film, debuted SXSW, reviewed in Maxim and The Atlantic)
My First Time (Short flim series produced for The Paris Review)
Producer- Heidi Hedquist
Heidi has more than 20 years of success in editorial, event planning, media relations, and guerilla marketing across the entertainment, corporate and non-profit sectors.
She is the original Editor-in-Chief of After 5 Detroit, the region’s premier digital lifestyle magazine.
Her broadcast experience includes producing Ready, Set, Go! All Things Autism for WJR 760 AM and her current endeavors as co-host and producer of the podcasts Why? the Podcast and Rock ‘n’ Roll Grad School.
She has managed initiatives for such clients as Autism Speaks, Habitat for Humanity, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Greektown Casino-Hotel, Desert Diamond Casino, Dana Corporation, and Fiat Chrysler.
A Detroit native, she remains on her quest to prove that everything great has a connection to the Motor City.
Heidi has more than 20 years of success in editorial, event planning, media relations, and guerilla marketing across the entertainment, corporate and non-profit sectors.
She is the original Editor-in-Chief of After 5 Detroit, the region’s premier digital lifestyle magazine.
Her broadcast experience includes producing Ready, Set, Go! All Things Autism for WJR 760 AM and her current endeavors as co-host and producer of the podcasts Why? the Podcast and Rock ‘n’ Roll Grad School.
She has managed initiatives for such clients as Autism Speaks, Habitat for Humanity, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Greektown Casino-Hotel, Desert Diamond Casino, Dana Corporation, and Fiat Chrysler.
A Detroit native, she remains on her quest to prove that everything great has a connection to the Motor City.