Meet Jerry Ryan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jerry Ryan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jerry, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?

I’m always skating that line, it seems. When it comes to organizing events, the thing that helped me most in avoiding burnout was taking a “less is more” approach to booking shows. I decided to focus on two Elephant Talk Indie festivals per year and stop booking smaller shows in between. At one point, I was doing too much and trying to help too many people.

By spacing out my festivals (April and October), I can focus on one event at a time and settle into my structured routine. There are still times when I feel burnout in my personal life, but music is always there to bring balance.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Since 2010, I’ve been organizing the Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival. But this festival has always been about more than just music—it’s about giving back. What started as a way to bring independent music to my backyard has grown into something much bigger, creating a community where artists and music lovers come together not only to celebrate originality in the arts but to support one another.

This festival is deeply personal to me. My son, Jeremy, who is on the autism spectrum, has been my greatest inspiration. Music has always been a way for us to connect, and I wanted Elephant Talk to be more than just a showcase of incredible underground talent—I wanted it to be a force for good. That’s why I created Elephants for Autism, using this platform to raise thousands of dollars for families and organizations that support individuals with autism. This year, part of the festival’s proceeds will help fund an inclusive bowling tournament for autistic adults, giving them a space to connect and enjoy life just like anyone else.

The name Elephant Talk holds a special meaning for me. While it was originally inspired by the King Crimson song, it represents something deeper—strength, wisdom, loyalty, and compassion. Elephants are known as gentle giants who care for their herd, their young, and their elders. That sense of protection and love is what I want this festival to embody because that’s how I see my role as a father and a member of this community.

This year’s festival is especially meaningful because it is dedicated to my mother, who passed away in 2024. She taught me the importance of kindness, love, and giving back, and those values continue to guide me in everything I do. She was my rock, always supporting my dreams, and I know she would be proud to see how far this festival has come.

Our 16th annual festival will take place on April 11-13, 2025, at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City. Over three days, two stages will feature an exciting lineup of artists, including The Gab Cinque Band, Destinee, Baron Praxis, Teen Idle, Rubix Pube, Knomad Nation, Patty Blee, Fair Panic, The Blues Reincarnation Project, Twisted Livin’, Machines of Penalty, Lackadaisical Lemon, and many more.

Over the years, Elephant Talk has been recognized for its impact. In 2016 and 2017, it was honored with the Gold Medal Award for Best Annual Music Festival by New Jersey Stage, and from 2017 to 2020, we won the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Festival in AC Weekly’s annual Nightlife Awards.

But awards and recognition have never been the goal. This festival is about love, connection, and creating something meaningful. It’s about honoring my mother’s legacy and ensuring that Jeremy, and so many others like him, have a community that embraces and supports them.

To help make this year’s event even bigger, we’ve launched a fundraising campaign to cover key costs like headliners, photography, merchandise, and promotion. Every contribution helps us continue to grow while staying true to our mission.

At the end of the day, Elephant Talk isn’t just a music festival—it’s an extension of my heart. It’s a way to bring people together, to celebrate what truly matters, and to use music as a force for love and change. I’m honored to share this journey with all of you, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey with Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival and Elephants for Autism, I’d say the three most impactful qualities that shaped my path were passion, perseverance, and community-building.

1. Passion – This festival started from a deep love of music and a personal mission to create something meaningful for my son, Jeremy, who is on the autism spectrum. Music has always been a way for us to connect, and I wanted to build a space where independent artists could thrive while also making a real difference for families affected by autism. My advice for anyone starting out? Make sure your work reflects something you truly care about. Passion will keep you moving forward, even when things get tough.

2. Perseverance – Organizing festivals isn’t easy. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, questioning if I could keep going. But I pushed through because I believed in the purpose behind it all. Over the years, I’ve learned that setbacks are part of the process—whether it’s financial hurdles, scheduling challenges, or personal struggles. If you’re early in your journey, expect obstacles but don’t let them stop you. Adapt, learn, and keep going.

3. Community-Building – Elephant Talk has never been just about music; it’s about bringing people together. Whether it’s giving artists a platform, creating inclusive spaces for individuals with autism, or fostering friendships that last beyond the festival, the sense of community is what truly makes this special. If you’re starting something new, surround yourself with people who share your vision. Support others, be genuine, and build something that brings value to those around you.

At the end of the day, my journey has been about turning passion into action—using music as a force for love, inclusion, and change. If you’re just starting out, believe in what you’re doing, stay committed, and never underestimate the power of a strong, supportive community. That’s how you create something that truly lasts.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I take a deep breath, step back, and remind myself to focus on what truly matters. Balancing life as a father to my autistic son, Jeremy, while organizing festivals and maintaining my day job at The Arc of Atlantic County can be demanding, but I’ve learned that finding balance is essential. Here are a few strategies that help me stay grounded:

1. Prioritize and Focus on What’s Most Important

Before the pandemic, I was booking too many small shows on top of organizing festivals. The forced slowdown allowed me to reconnect with myself through music journals and remember why I fell in love with music in the first place. This reflection helped me find balance, enabling me to put more energy into making these festivals the best they can be.

The same principle applies to life with Jeremy—there’s always a lot going on, but I’ve learned to focus on what truly matters and not stretch myself too thin. If something isn’t essential, I let it go.

2. Take Time to Recharge

Parenting a child with autism comes with its challenges, but it also brings many rewarding moments. Music has always been our way of connecting, and sometimes, when life gets us down, simply putting on an album and experiencing it together is enough to reset my mindset. Whether it’s listening to music, going for a walk, or taking a moment to practice mindfulness, I’ve learned that recharging isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Advice for Others:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed—whether as a parent, a creator, or in any other role—take a step back and refocus. Prioritize what truly matters, give yourself grace, and never lose sight of the love and purpose that drive you. Whether it’s through music, family, or community, find what keeps you grounded and let that be your guide forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @elephanttalknj
• Facebook: Elephant Talk Indie & Elephants for Autism
• Youtube: Elephant Talk Indie