Born and raised in Chicago, the birthplace of house music, Bobby De Maria always felt a deep and profound connection to the cities rich musical heritage. However, it was more than just the music itself that captivated Bobby, but rather what it represented- individuality, inclusivity, freedom, and a resolute rejection of social norms. From an early age, Bobby recognized the transformative power of music and saw an incredible opportunity to merge his passion with his entrepreneurial spirit. Fueled by a desire for breaking barriers and bringing people together, Bobby left behind his finance degree from Michigan State, and decided to pursue music business at Columbia, eventually creating Afterlife Entertainment. Afterlife is now a nationally recognized entertainment and marketing company ranging across various genres of music and types of Businesses. Bobby’s passion for the growth of the small business scene and genuine love of music makes Afterlife stand out as an influential force in the worlds of both entertainment & Business. In 2024 Bobby Created Summertime closing festival “Summer’s Last Dance” held on the last Saturday of summer each year.