 Mark Beneventi (at large) was Editor for DFW's Harder Beat Magazine for the past four years and has been their most widely read writer. Along with his infamous "Seven Deadly Smacks," features on Deep Ellum, SXSW, the Record Industry, cover charges and more have informed and inflamed readers well in advance of other local and national publications. His life-long love of music combined with collegiate level education in creative and technical writing make him a natural at bringing the 411 in a fresh and interesting way. Mr. Beneventi has also managed and promoted several local artists including Surgeon General and G.O.A.T., during which time he booked 2003's Texas Havoc Tour and 2004's DAM JAM (still a highlight for local music at the Granada). "The DAM JAM was wonderful, but running the lights at CBGB was a total highlight!" he admits.
 Chaz Knight (rock/alt rock) has spent over a decade in the Texas Music Industry, most notably as an FM Radio DJ with 94.5 FMX, 97.1 The Eagle and 105.3. His most successful effort was The Local Show (97.1 The Eagle), which eventually became The Live and Local Show (105.3FM) on Sunday nights at The Curtain Club in Deep Ellum. During those years, Chaz released two local music compilation CDs that sold over 5000 copies, featuring bands like Pantera, Bowling For Soup, Flickerstick and Pimpadelic. The CDs also helped garner major label record deals for Drowning Pool and Edgewater. More recently, he developed the first multi-genre, Texas Music radio station, called TexasRadio1, and he is currently the CEO of LeftEarRadio.com – a site designed to help local DFW artists in a number of ways. It is this close contact with hundreds of local bands and artists that makes Chaz one of, if not the, most knowledgeable person in the DFW music scene.
 Bill Tait (restaurant) has lived all over the globe. The Athens (Greece) native, with hobbies like cooking, dining and kitchen design, has naturally culled an unparalleled palate for good food and fine wine. He has prepared from the recipes of world-class chefs such as Stephen Pyles, Rick Bayless, Michael Chiarello and Thomas Keller. His areas of cooking expertise include French, Italian, Thai, Mexican, Southwestern, German, New American, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Vietnamese and more. Mr. Tait's taste in a broad array of culinary fare, as well as his understanding of food preparation and presentation, was honed in Northern California's culinary community as well as countless local dining establishments - making him one of the most discerning diners in DFW.
 LuAnn Awtrey (hip hop) came to DFW from Alaska via west Texas where she cut her teeth on raves and rock music. Although brought up on classic country and cajoled into playing the violin in school, she has made a point to seek and discover her own musical interests. From the moment she heard the Beastie Boys' Liscensed to Ill, she has been feelin' the groove and immersing herself in the hip-hop culture. Her love of beat-laden music blossomed with 90s trip-hop and continued into down-tempo and turntablism. Her hip-hop preferences know no bounds, enjoying rappers from the Dirty South to the American Coasts to Europe and beyond. Ms. Awtrey currently divides her time between Denton (where she avidly supports the scene) and Dallas, and likens live performances to religious revivals. And though her ears are tuned as far off as Germany's Deutsch-rap world, we have her here locally to tell us what's up.
 Mari Haberman (dance/club scene) has been clubbing for most of the 21st century - or about 5 years. She has a keen sense for Dallas' hottest spots and is usually first on the scene, as she was with Ghostbar, Dragonfly, Obar, Wish, Candleroom and so many more. She has also been involved in producing and running fashion shows - selecting girls, doing make-up and wardrobe - at some of the city's hottest clubs which included shows for MAXIM and ENVY magazines. Ms. Haberman is much more than just a pretty face however, as she is nearing the completion of her teaching degree. It is this highly intellectual side that will deliver the club scene's goods and bads in sober, yet exciting prose.
 Jerry Rutherford (rock/metal), an avid record collector since his teens, has been in the music business for 17 years. Time spent in the underground tape-trading scene prompted him to write and release his own DIY fanzine. Since the early '90s his byline as a professional has appeared both nationally and overseas in a variety of well-respected Rock/Metal publications. Rip Magazine - famous for chronicling the mega-successes of G 'n R, Metallica and the Grunge explosion - gave Mr. Rutherford his start while England's Terrorizer help bring him a notable international presence. Currently, his work is found in the pages of Metal Maniacs on newstands across America.
Long in-tune with the pulse of heavy music, he's written about the likes of Pantera, Slipknot, Lamb of God and Mastodon long before they achieved mainstream attention. Rutherford, as he is often called, was also a label publicist for Metal Blade Records before moving to Dallas. Now a fixture in local circles he lends unyielding support (and sometimes more!) to many of DFW's hardest hitting bands. Still, it was Rutherford's work hosting and producing the "Lone Star Loud Scar" program on LeftEarRadio.com that helped unleash his personality behind a mic. In print, on air or in person, he is quite the character. When you meet him, and you most likely will, you'll know why.
 Renee Caldwell (Arts) is a senior at Texas A&M University - Commerce and is wrapped up in anything dealing with human expression. Her major is Public Relations with a minor in Theater and she's recently been involved with productions like Once Upon A Mattress and In The West. She has also done voice-over work, commercials and movies. LIT's new Art Director plans on bringing many different types of art to the masses.
 Andrea Libby (books) grew up in Maine, a place where, in the winter, there isn't much to do except read. Although her college education is rooted in health, nutrition and physical therapy, reading remains her passion. "I've been reading two or three books a week for the past 20 years," she explains. In fact, friends tease her about her habit of printing out the N.Y.Times Best Seller list and shopping for every title on it. How can someone read so voraciously? "Most of the time I can not put a book down until I finish it, which makes for many late nights." Fortunately for LIT readers, she'll find time to write a little as well.
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