Bill Pere, a multiple-award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, musician, author, and playwright, was named one of the "Top 50 Innovators, Groundbreakers, Iconoclasts, and Guiding Lights of the Music Industry" by Music Connection Magazine in December 2008. His accomplishments include being named Connecticut State Troubadour in 1995 and an Independent Music Conference - "Immie" Award winner for Best Independent Artist in 2003. Pere has written more than 400 songs and released 16 CDs, as well as producing CDs for many other artists. Pere is a Founding Member and current President of the Connecticut Songwriters' Association and is Founder and Executive Director of the Local United Network to Combat Hunger, which features the LUNCH Ensemble. Along with Kay Pere, also a nationally-known recording artist, he runs the Connecticut Songwriting Academy to develop the talents and careers of young singers, songwriters, musicians, and recording artists. Pere has been involved in the music business for more than 30 years, having been mentored by many of the top names in the industry.