Entertainment
Kassie Ferrero
Cannabis Industry by Day , Musical Maestro by Night
by Clayton Stallings , The EVOLUTION Magazine
Music is often called medicine for the ears ( and mind ). During the past several years of The EVOLUTION Magazine touring and visiting licensed cannabis facilities throughout the state , besides hearing nearly every genre of music playing in the background as motivation for thousands of industry workers who grow , produce , and sell the cannabis products that we consume , we have also met a surprisingly large number of local Missouri musicians who are Cannabis Industry Agent Employees by day and local musicians by night .
In the October issue , The EVOLUTION Magazine began featuring , celebrating , and supporting these medicine maestros by shining a spotlight on their musical journey , the music they create , the bands they perform with , and where you can listen to their music –– all while learning more about how cannabis plays a role in their lives as musicians , as well as their daytime jobs . At the end , we ask this month ’ s featured cannabis industry musician who they would like to “ Tag — You ’ re It ” for our next feature . Last month , Kassie Ferrero was “ Tagged .”
Meet Kassie Ferrero
What positions have you held in the cannabis industry , and what position do you currently have ? Within the cannabis industry , I have held positions in both Missouri and Maryland ( MD ). I started in MD as a budtender , moved to MO in 2019 , and started working for Kansas City Cannabis in 2021 . I began as a budtender and worked my way up to purchasing manager , a title I held until June 2024 . I am currently with Local Cannabis as their principal procurement specialist .
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at your current cannabis employment ? I am in charge of acquiring all cannabis products sold at our dispensary in Kansas City . I also arrange sales and promotions , educate staff on new products , and oversee revenue generated from our store .
When did you first start your journey as a musician , and what inspired you ? I was five years old when I started piano lessons — that was shortlived . When I was nine , I was introduced to the cello at my elementary school and was enamored , so I asked my mom to sign me up for strings class . I started learning the double bass about a year later and played both simultaneously until high school when I switched to bass full-time . Bass is , without a doubt , my favorite instrument to perform ! It ’ s my primary instrument . I mostly play double bass , but I also play electric bass quite a bit . This fall makes 24 years since I started playing !
Where did you study or learn your craft ? I have two degrees in double bass performance . The first one is from the Manhattan School of Music ( BM Music Performance ), and the second one is from the Peabody Conservatory ( MM Music Performance ).
How did music evolve for you over time ? While my background is in classical music , I have been focusing on broadening my horizons since moving to Kansas City . There is a negative stigma in the classical world , implying that if you ’ re not completely enthralled in classical music and the art surrounding it , then you ’ re not truly committed . Unfortunately , that really held me back as a musician . I ’ m grateful to be a part of such a welcoming , diverse community that has given me the opportunity to find my voice in different musical settings such as folk , bluegrass , hip-hop , ambient , and pop . While I still have work to do , I already see what improvements I ’ ve made as a musician and person , all of which I couldn ’ t have done without the support of my friends .
What are the names of the current bands or groups that you perform with ? I am part of a duo with my violinist friend / confidante called “ Jo and Kass ,” founder / bassist of Infused Sound Healing , and hold
44 November 2024