Beyond the Spotlight

Hey, everyone! Are you still out there? I've missed you!

Just a quick episode to update you on some things and let you know I'll be back with new episodes soon, as time permits.

Feel free to reach out with guest ideas or comments at beyondthespotlightpodcast@gmail.com

When Matthew Rifino picked up an acoustic guitar at 5, a 30 year love affair with music began. 3 years later, he convinced his grandfather to buy him a four-track cassette recorder and Matthew would sit for hours recording and overdubbing. He started recording his first band at their first rehearsal and honed his basic recording chops by trial and error. Matthew and his friends threw themselves into the NJ Hardcore and Punk scene of the mid 90's. Forming an indie label and throwing shows, Matthew wanted to be immersed in the music community. 
Channel surfing after school, Matthew stumbled upon a show being filmed at a recording studio only one town over from his house! He showed up at their door and told them he wanted to learn how to record. Matthew lucked out and the owner Tee DiMura took him under his wing. It was an old school 16 track analog 70's studio with floor to ceiling shag carpet and the smell of cigarettes in the air. Matthew spent all four years of high school afternoons learning as much as he could about recording and mixing.
It was Avatar Studios (The Power Station) that gave Matthew his first real taste of what it’s like working with big names in the music industry. At 19-years-old, he scored a 3 month unpaid internship that turned into 4 years on staff at this legendary facility.  Everyday, Matthew was in awe while learning from Grammy winning engineers and producers. Al Schmidt, Jack Joseph Puig, Michael Brauer, Jason Corsaro, Neil Dorfsman, and Rich Costey were some the greats he got to watch perform their craft. The years he spent at Avatar still influenced the rest of his life.
After 4 years, he wanted to make the move to freelance. Matthew had a couple of indie records lined up and then by a chance meeting he got a gig mixing monitors for the NBC Today Show. He had never mixed anything live before but got thrown right into the fire on his first show mixing Elvis Costello. At the same time with an inherent gravitational pull towards his recording studio roots he signed on as a staff engineer at Granite Alps Studios in NJ and later as Chief Engineer at Fenix Studios in Staten Island, NY. During that time, Matthew worked with Living Colour, James Blood Ulmer, Bernard Purdie (Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Hall and Oates), Wu Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean plus lots of independent rock and pop artists. While at Fenix, he also had the opportunity to mix jingles for television, radio, as well as tracks that would end up in major motion pictures.
At just 27, Matthew took on the role of Broadcast Music Mixer for the NBC TODAY SHOW. Mixing the 5.1 Surround Sound on air-mixes that millions watch daily along with millions of streams on the net. During his time at NBC, Matthew has worked with a cornucopia of artists such as Adele, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Robert Plant, Fleetwood Mac, Lady Gaga, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Taylor Swift, John Mellencamp, among many others.
After a few years away from the record business to focus on television, he could not resist the urge to get back into the studio. Having recently completed his personal mix room "Stone House Studios”, Matthew has started mixing records again. His goal is to be able to deliver high quality mixes to all his clients.

Guest Links:
https://www.mattrifinomusicmixer.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rifinomatthew/

Michael Jeffers is a life long music professional, performer and player. He started out in music performing with his father’s family band, then became a founding member of the critically acclaimed band Pinmonkey and got signed to RCA Records. Michael’s been traveling town to town on tour buses since 1999, loves to golf, and he is a lover of all things real.

Experience

Touring Bass player
Joe Nichols
Jan 2008 – Present

Founding member and bass player
Pinmonkey
Jan 1999 – Jan 2006

Doc Jeffers Band

Education

Middle Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)
Field Of Study: Music Business

Guest Links:
https://www.instagram.com/michaeljeffers/
https://joenichols.com/

Mark Clark has worked in the touring industry for over 10 years. He got his start in his home state of Alabama, driving artists at music festivals, and is currently based in New Orleans. Mark has managed tours throughout North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Europe. In his day-to-day work, he oversees a 360-degree advanced process, from show advance, to tour accounting, to settlements, visas, production, logistics, press, and all the ins-and-outs of the vital show day process. Some of Mark’s notable previous clients include American Authors, Kayzo, TOKiMONSTA, NGHTMRE, Snails, Savoy, and Boombox. 

Co Host, Tour Management 101
Mar 2020 – Present
Location New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Tour Management 101 is an educational resource for anyone learning the ropes in the live events industry. We host a weekly webinar on Zoom, and YouTube with industry pros and provide free material and templates on our website.
 
Tour Management / Production Management / Tour Accounting
Mark Clark Touring LLC Self-employed
Jan 2019 – Present
Location New Orleans, LA
Full 360 tour advance, management, and show execution. Domestic and Worldwide.

Freelance Professional
Tour Manager Sep 2013 – Present

Guest Links:
http://www.markclarktouring.com
https://www.tourmgmt.org/
https://www.instagram.com/markclarktm
https://www.instagram.com/tourmgmt101

Show Links:
http://www.beyondthespotlightpodcast.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BeyondtheSpotlightPodcast
https://www.instagram.com/BeyondtheSpotlightPodcast

Angelique Mark has amassed over two decades' experience traveling the globe, working with a variety of musical acts in rooms ranging from small clubs to stadiums. Her work focuses mainly in: logistics; immigration; accounting; and high-level time management, often under the most stressful of situations. Most recently, Angelique has been working as a mentor through Grammy U and the Well Dunn organization, helping young people learn about the world of live shows and touring.
 
Production Coordinator
The 1975
Jan 2020 – Present
 
Production Coordinator
Mumford & Sons - Delta Tour
Feb 2019 – Mar 2020
 
Production Coordinator
Il Divo - Timeless Tour
Aug 2018 – Dec 2018
 
Production Coordinator
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Apr 2017 – Aug 2018
 
Artist Transportation Manager
Okeechobee Music Festival
Feb 2016 – Feb 2017
 
Production Coordinator
Il Divo - Amor y Pasion Tour
Sep 2016 – Nov 2016
 
Wardrobe Mistress
Culture Club - Tribes Tour
Jul 2015 – Jul 2016
Location US/CA/MX/JP/PH/AU
 
Staff Transportation Coordinator
Mysterland Music Festival
May 2015
 
Production Coordinator
Arcade Fire - Reflektor Tour
Oct 2013 – Aug 2014
Location US/UK/EU/S America/Australia/New Zealand/Japan
 
Assistant Tour Manager
My Morning Jacket - Bob Dylan Americanarama Tour
Jul 2013 – Aug 2013
Location North America

Production Coordinator
Florence and the Machine - Ceremonials Tour
Jun 2012 – Dec 2012
Location US/UK/Europe
 
Production Coordinator
The Black Keys - El Camino Tour
Oct 2012 – Nov 2012
Location New Zealand/Australia
 
Wardrobe Mistress
Erasure - Total Pop! and Tomorrow's World Tours
Mar 2011 – Oct 2011
Location US/UK/Europe/S. America
 
Additional Artists Toured with
2000 – 2011
Location US/UK/Europe
Cirque du Soleil - Kooza (Dresser 1)
Boy George/Culture Club (Tour Assistant)
Gavin Rossdale/Institute (Merchandise Manager)
Paul Oakenfold (Merchandise Manager)
Jewel (Merchandise Manager)Fuel (Merchandise Manager)
Cheetah Girls/Miley Cyrus (Merchandise)
Vanessa Hudgens (Merchandise Manager)
Corbin Bleu (Merchandise Manager)

Guest links:
Angelique on LinkedIn
Angelique on Instagram

TOUR EXPERIENCE

Present
ROLLING STONES – Tour Manager

1997 - Present
FLEETWOOD MAC – Tour Manager

1999 – Present
BARBRA STREISAND – Tour Director

January 24, 2020
MUSICARES PERSON OF THE YEAR HONORING DOLLY
PARTON - Co-Producer

2010 – Present
SHAKIRA – Tour Director

1997 - Present
STEVIE NICKS - Tour Manager

Dec ’15 – Nov ‘16
BEYONCE – Tour Director/Producer Formation Tour

2012 – Present
VAN HALEN TOUR 2012 & 2015 – Tour Manager

Feb '14 – Dec ‘15
LIONEL RICHIE - Tour Director
1997 - 2001

Jan 2013 – Dec 2013
ALICIA KEYS – Tour Director - World Tour 2010 & 2013

Aug ’02 – Jan 2010
BETTE MIDLER – General Manager “The Showgirl Must Go On”
Las Vegas Residency

Aug ’05 – May ‘07
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL DELIRIUM TOUR – Tour Manager

Dec ’00 – Dec ‘01
BACKSTREET BOYS – Tour Manager

Oct ’00 – Nov ’00
LENNY KRAVITZ – Tour Manager

Aug ’99 – Dec ‘99
RICKY MARTIN - Tour Manager

July '99 - Sept '99
BONNIE RAITT, JACKSON BROWNE, SHAWN COLVIN, BRUCE HORNSBY - Tour Manager

May '99 - Sept '99
BONNIE RAITT - Tour Manager/Accountant

Sept '98 – Aug ‘99
LIONEL RICHIE - Tour Manager/Accountant

April ‘95 - 2015
BOSTON - Tour Manager

October 1996
CHRIS ISAAK - Tour Manager/Accountant

August 1996
CELINE DION - Production Manager

April ‘96 - May ‘96
SHANIA TWAIN - Tour Manager

Apr ‘95 - May ‘95
JIMMY BUFFETT - Tour Accountant

Jan '93 - Sept '94
JANET JACKSON - Tour Manager

June ‘89 - Sept '92
PAULA ABDUL - Tour Manager

1985
BILL WITHERS- Tour Manager / Accountant

GUEST LINKS:
Musicares


NEWS ARTICLES / INTERVIEWS

ROLLING STONE
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/music-in-crisis-marty-horn-tour-manager-rolling-stones-stevie-nicks-995835/

BILLBOARD
https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5915668/tour-managers-of-foo-fighters-the-rolling-stones-fleetwood-mac-swap-wild-tales

POLLSTAR
https://www.pollstar.com/toptourmanagers/marty-hom-141383

NEW YORK TIMES
https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/17/archives/10-months-1-million-and-100-headaches.html

Aoife Ahern has a huge amount of Project Management experience, having been a Global Producer, Tour Manager, Production Coordinator, Advance Manager|Artist Relations and a Talent Booker. She has advanced many large scale festivals (80,000+ capacity) such as Oxegen Festival to Kaaboo Festival. She has also been a promoter's rep and a production manager for a huge number of shows, as well as promoting weekly shows of 2000+ capacity. Aoife has toured with artists such as Prince, Beyonce, Jay-Z, One Direction, Arcade Fire, Chris Brown, Gavin Friday, The Waterboys, Billy Ocean, Sting, Madonna plus many more. During this time, she has performed roles such as Tour Manager, Production Co-ordinator, and VIP Facilities Manager. Aoife manages and co-ordinates large volumes of information - from budgets, crew, travel, logistics, riders, content, schedules, visas, dressing rooms, ground transport, merchandise & VIP management. She has also worked with a vast array of international talent, promoters, founders, entrepreneurs, agents, TMs, suppliers, venues & crew over the years.

Tour Management
Tame Impala
Jul 2019 – Present
 
Facilities Manager | One Direction | Chris Brown | Beyonce | Jay-Z | Sting | Madonna
Live Nation | VIP Nation
2015 – Present
Duties Include:Facilities Manager for all VIPs daily.Coordinating all Early Entry Tickets daily.Coordinating all Hot Tickets Entries daily.Liaising and managing security and queuing systems.Managing all signage for Early Entries & Hot Tickets.Managing of all ticket booths, ticketing, wristbands and staff.Daily brief with security, venue and Live NationManaging of all VIP Merchandise.Daily reports for Live/VIP Nation.Setting & Running of office.Troubleshooting, managing all issues that arose.

Tour Manager
Gavin Friday
Jul 2011 – Present
Managing budgets based on fee for each show.Booking and managing logistics, such as travel, accommodation, ground transport. Coordinating with press department and accompanying artist to all press calls. Drawing up of all riders based on requirement of traveling party and foreseeing their implementation at each show. Managing of all crew and touring party.Arranging work permits for non EU band members in relevant country. Coordinating all aspects of production.Dealing with cash and payment. Liaising between management, agent, promoter and band to make sure that everyone has information required to make each show a successful event.Liaising with Event Control to ensure that all health and safety matters are adhered to for safety of band and audience.

Production Coordinator
Prince
May 2014 – Present
Location European / Canadian & American Tour
Booking of hotels, flights & ground transport for all Crew.Arranging Visa for all Crew.Managing and organising of artist catering.Designing daily menu for artist.Managing of Dressing Rooms & Riders on a daily basis.Signage for Backstage Area.Assisting TM/PM with production requirements.Running & assisting in production office.Dealing with crew, suppliers, management, venues and artists needs on a daily basis.
 
Senior VIP Nation Event Manager | International Tours
VIP Nation Europe | Live Nation
Oct 2018 – Sep 2019
London, United Kingdom
Michelle Obama, Mumford & Sons, Blackpink, BTS, Phil Collins, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel.

Guest links:
https://www.facebook.com/aoife.ahern
https://www.instagram.com/aoifelike/

Passionate and extroverted, Rayna’s varied background gives her a unique perspective as well as an ability to engage people from all walks of life. Before graduating with a degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont, Rayna grew up at the intersection of multiple cultures.
As a child, Rayna was raised between three worlds - She could be found at a Baptist church in Camden, New Jersey with her grandmother, at synagogue in Philadelphia with her mother’s family of Jewish academics, or at St. Columba’s episcopal church in Washington D.C. Rayna decided to pursue a career in the music industry and moved to Los Angeles, where she eventually ended up working in the touring industry as a playback engineer with artists such as Logic, Pentatonix, Due Lipa, Iggy Azalea, Hailee Steinfeld, The Lonely Island, Lana Del Rey, DJ Khaled, and more.
Additionally, she is a music composer who's work has been featured in over 75 television shows, movies, and commercials. The events of 2020 led her to pursue her passion for documentary photography. Rayna has documented over 50 protests in the Los Angeles area, her work and efforts are featured in the short film “We Can’t Breathe”.

Producer / Music Director
Winters Rock Entertainment
Sep 2018 – Present
Business development, talent scouting, on-site photographer, and post-production audio mixing. Producer: “We Can’t Breathe” (2020)Composer: “We Can’t Breath” (2020) Producer: “Storm” (2020) Composer: “Beyond the Edge”(2020) Composer: “Letters to Liam” (2019) Music Supervisor: “Letters to Liam” (2019)

Playback Engineer
Pentatonix Inc
Jan 2020 – Present
 
Playback Engineer
DUA LIPA LIVE LLP
Nov 2019 – Jan 2020
 
Playback Engineer / Programmer
Hailee Steinfeld
Aug 2019 – Nov 2019
 
Playback Engineer & MIDI Tech
Lana Del Rey
Mar 2019 – Nov 2019
 
Pro Tools Playback Engineer
The Lonely Island
May 2019 – Jun 2019

Ableton Programmer / Playback Engineer
Dua Lipa
Apr 2019
 
Ableton Programmer / Playback Engineer
Gunnar Gehl
Oct 2018 – Dec 2018
 
Ableton Programmer / Playback Engineer
PRETTYMUCH
Jul 2018 – Sep 2018

Ableton Programmer / Playback
Jun 2017 – Aug 2018

Ableton Playback / Programming
Troye Sivan
Mar 2018 – Apr 2018
 
Ableton Playback Operator
Lil’ Wayne
Sep 2017
 
Playback Designer & Programmer
Saint Motel
Dec 2016

Director of Vibes | Producer | Mixer
Math Club Music
Jun 2016 – Oct 2016

Electronic Creatives
Feb 2016 – Mar 2016
Ableton playback for Iggy Azalea.

Electronic Creatives
Title Tour Manager / Production Manager
Niykee Heaton "The Bedroom Tour" 2015
Oct 2015 – Dec 2015

Tour Manager Production Manager
Ableton Playback Operator: Kiesza
Jan 2015 – Oct 2015

Product Ambassador / Tester
Livid Instruments
Nov 2014 – Jan 2015
Guitar Wing MIDI Controller Product Ambassador for the Greater Los Angeles Area.

Recording Arts Instructor
The Los Angeles Film School
Jul 2011 – Sep 2014
Instructor - Beginning and Advanced Music production in Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic.
 
Producer/Engineer
Kops & Robbers
Jan 2010 – Jan 2012

Guest Links:
https://raynazemel.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rayzemel/
https://www.twitter.com/rayzemel/
https://www.wintersrockentertainment.com/

Sai Hanif has been working in the music industry for over sixteen years. In addition to live event production, he founded and continues to run a successful musical instrument brand. Sai has taken his business acumen and applied it to the artists he works with throughout his career. He specializes in scaling artists by implementing processes to create efficient workflows with respect to the creative process. Specialties: Tour Direction, Production Management, Design, Budgeting, Travel, Logistics, Business Strategy, and Artist Development.

Founder and CEO
Masters of Maple Drums
Established in 2002 Masters of maple is one of the leading boutique drum manufacturers in the world. The brand produces high quality instruments with a limited distribution model, and is one of the few manufacturers to make their ply drum shells in house.

Tour Director, Production Manager
Gabriel " Fluffy" Iglesias
May 2019 – Present
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is an acclaimed stand up comedian with multiple Netflix specials, and storied career in entertainment.

Production Manager, Technical Director
X ambassadors Contract
Oct 2019 – Present
Production management for the “Orion” world tour album campaign. X ambassadors are a Grammy award winning alternative band from Ithaca, New York. I oversaw design and fabrication of the new stage production, which incorporated video elements utilizing the new disguise D3 media server.

Production Consultant, Drum Technician [Joshua Homme]
Eagles of Death Metal
Dates Employed Apr 2015 – Present
Eagles of Death Metal are a rock band from Palm Desert, California. I served as drum technician for Mr. Homme when he would play drums live with the band.
 
Tour Manager, Production Manager, Creative Director
Jakob Dylan
Jul 2014 – Present
Jakob Dylan is a Grammy award winning and lead singer of The Wallflowers. I have been responsible for all special projects in many capacities. Mr. Dylan is involved in many charities at the forefront of health and world issues.

Founder and CEO
Ghost Tech Touring Full-time
Mar 2012 – Present
Ghost Tech Touring is a full service production company. We specialize in all aspects of touring operations such as but not limited to: bus rental, insurance, crew management, budget control, audio visual services, backline, logistics, expendable management. Typically clients save between 4-19% on gross revenue touring expenses.

Production Manager
Walk The Moon
May 2016 – Present
Production management for the “What if Nothing” album campaign. Walk the Moon are a rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio.

Tour Manager, Production Manager, Management
The Wallflowers
Jan 2011 – Present
Tour Manager | Production Manager [2013- Present]Stage Manager | Backline Crew Chief | Drum Technician | Keyboard Technician [2011-2013] The Wallflowers are a two-time Grammy award winning rock band from Los Angeles, California.

Tour Director, Technical Director, Band Liaison, Production Accountant
Echo in the Canyon
Dates Employed 2018 – 2019
Echo In The Canyon is a 2018 film paying homage to the music of the sixties and the cultural revolution surrounding Laurel Canyon. It was released in theaters May 24, 2019.

https://Mdrums.com/
https://myghosttech.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ladrumguy/
https://www.instagram.com/mastersofmaple
Al Schmitt video referenced in interview

Innovator, digital marketer, brand positioning expert, data geek, and even musician, are just some of the ways that Cherise P has been described. These words have been applied whether from the halls of Coca-Cola where she served as Senior Marketing Manager of Shopper Marketing Innovation and Senior Customer Marketing Manager (partnership marketing) to the Washington D.C. offices of the U.S. President appointed Election Assistance Commission where she negotiated over $100K in funding for her client over MTV’s Rock The Vote.

Her career has been expansive and blessed with achievement. At Coca- Cola, Cherise was also Sales Executive leading national account teams, Community Leadership Chair, women’s LINC Board Member for Coca- Cola’s International Business Resource Group, Essence Festival Team member, Brand Positioning Subject Matter Expert for the entire East
Division of Coca-Cola Foodservice, and was awarded as one of Coca-Cola North America’s only four annual Corporate Women of Achievement and more –all through working for marketing excellence through innovation. Cherise consistently exceeds deadlines and business plan targets on paper. She has led marketing, digital marketing, mobile marketing, consumer research, brand activation, experiential marketing, multicultural marketing work and campaigns for partnerships with brands like Live Nation, American Music Awards, Popeyes, NASCAR, Burger King, McDonald’s, Roc-A-Wear, Bigg Snoop Dogg Jeans, Ruff Ryders Dirty Denim, BET, Six Flags, and so many more leading her to work to be awarded American Marketing Association’s American Marketer of the Year for Consumer Engagement and American Marketer of the Year in Interactive Marketing in Georgia – she’s been told it’s like winning the Grammy’s for Marketing! Now as CEO of Eckspansion Marketing, managing partner of FanGage Nation and The Culture Pushers with artist manager Eli Davis and proud mom of the kidpreneurs behind celebrity interviewing, STEM ed. Leadership pushing duo, ‘Kidz Mic’ with husband Eric. Cherise uses her experience to expand revenue streams and drive business results for artists and entertainment pros by leveraging experience as a Fortune 100 insider, fan data, real digital marketing, endorsements + innovation.

Overall, Cherise has rocked her Hampton University Marketing Degree from Fortune 500 Board Rooms to leading within Grammy Award Winning Artist Management. Teams, like the creative trained drummer she is. You read right, she’s a drummer and a poet too but with a dad playing drums in The Isley Brothers band + aunt original P-Funk, she was born for in to that part!

Eckspansion Marketing
CEO

Special Brand Artist Mgmt. & Entertainment
Chief Marketing Officer
May 2018 - present

FanGage Nation
Managing Partner

Multiple Companies
Sales & Marketing Executive
June 1990 - December 2019

The Coca-Cola Company
Various Marketing Management positions

Guest Links:
https://www.instagram.com/cherisep1908/
http://www.brandsarespecial.com
http://www.fangagenation.com
http://www.Musicleaderz.com
https://www.instagram.com/anthonyhamiltonofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/9thwonder/

Alex Prince has been involved in the live music industry for years, working primarily as a Production Coordinator, but also as Tour Manager and Production Manager. He is a California native who recently relocated to Minnesota.

His list of credits:

Production Manager
Ground Branch Management Freelance
Dates Employed Sep 2020 – Present
Production Managed the Biden Harris Live TV Studio from both remote and on-site settings.
 
Production Coordinator
Tyler, The Creator
Dates Employed Jan 2018 – Present
IGOR Tour - Tyler, The Creator Tour w/ Opening Acts Blood Orange, Jaden Smith & GoldLinkFlowerboy Tour - Tyler, The Creator Tour w/ Opening Acts Vince Staples & DJ TacoJanuary 2020: GRAMMY's PerformanceDecember 2019 - January 2020: Australia and NZ Headline FestivalsNovember 2019: Camp Flog Gnaw Headline FestivalAugust - October 2019: IGOR Headline Arena Tour across North America & U.KFebruary - July 2019: Headline Festivals including Gov Ball & III Points MiamiApril - November 2018: North America Headline Festivals (Coachella, Beale Street, Sasquatch, Boston Calling, Soundset, Life Is Beautiful, Posty Fest, Mala Luna, Camp Flog Gnaw)January - March 2018: Headline Arena & Large Hall North America Tour …

DOS Tour Manager
A$AP Ferg
Dates Employed Apr 2019 – Sep 2020
 
Tour Manager
Kali Uchis
Dates Employed Nov 2018 – Dec 2018
Tour Manager:2018 Camp Flog Gnaw Festival2018 Tropicalia Music Festival

Tour Manager / Production Manager
Overstreet
Dates Employed Oct 2018 – Dec 2018

Tour Manager
Pat Metheny Dates Employed Sep 2018 – Oct 2018 Tour Manager for North American tour. Assistant Tour Manager / Merchandise Dates Employed May 2017 – Sep 2018 August 2018: 4 in-a-row US DatesJune - August 2018: 5 Week European TourOctober - November 2017: 6 Week European TourJune 2017: 6 in-a-row US DatesApril - June 2017: 5 Week European Tour
 
Tour Directors' Assistant / Project Coordinator
the loop.
Dates Employed May 2016 – May 2018
Daily work with show advances, visas, production books, flights/hotels, budgets, calendars, and everything else related to ensuring successful tours for 15+ active artists.

Road Manager
Survivor
Dates Employed Mar 2017 – Mar 2018
Consistent one-off fly date shows ranging between casinos, outdoor amphitheaters, and state/county fairs across the continental United States.

Touring Freelance Short Term Projects
Freelance
Dates Employed Oct 2013 – Oct 2017

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT • Gypsy Kings (West Coast shows of North America Tour, 2017) • Kendrick Lamar (DAMN. Tour Southern California Shows, 2017) • Travis Scott (Coachella, 2017)• R Kelly (West Coast shows of North America Tour, 2017)• Temple of the Dog (Los Angeles One-Off, 2017)• Bad Boys Reunion Tour (Los Angeles Rehearsals, 2016)• P!NK (Jimmy Kimmel Live, 2016)• The Fray (Los Angeles One-Off, 2016)• Natasha Beddingfield (Los Angeles One-Off, 2016)• Nick Jonas (West Coast shows of North America Tour, 2015)• Big Sean (West Coast shows of North America Tour, 2015)MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCER• Watsky, "Tiny Glowing Screens Part 3", 2016• Hoodie Allen, "Act My Age", 2015
 
Audio Coordinator's Assistant
The GRAMMYs 2016, The GRAMMYs 2017
Dates Employed Jan 2016 – Jan 2017

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexpprince/

After 20+ years of traveling as a Tour Manager and FOH Sound Engineer, Paul Dalen retired from touring in the ‘90s and worked for Bill Graham Presents in San Francisco as production manager at The Fillmore, The Warfield and a number of other bay area venues.
In 2001, he moved to New York and spent the next 5 years at David Whitehead’s highly respected firm Maine Road Management. At the time of his departure, the music roster included David Bowie, David Byrne, Luna, Joe Henry, Beth Orton, Helmet, Dean and Britta, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Air, Jim White, Laura Cantrell and Joe Ely; and the producer roster featured Kevin Killen, Ryan Freeland, Tucker Martine and others.

Paul returned to full time touring and festival production in 2012 and he remains enthusiastic about traveling the world utilizing his skills in Artist Management to great effect in his current roles as Tour Manager / Production Manager / FOH mixer.

FESTIVALS (PRODUCTION MANAGER / STAGE MANAGER)
Bonnaroo 2011–2015 (stage manager)
Firefly Music Festival 2012–2015 (stage manager) 2018 (overnight head of production)
Googamooga Festival 2012 (stage manager, main stage)
Governors Ball NYC 2012–2014 + 2019 (stage manager)
Life Is Beautiful 2018 (stage manager)
Lockn' Festival 2014–2015 (stage manager, both stages)
Outside Lands Festival 2011–2014 + 2017- 2018 (stage manager)
Rock the Bells 2012 SF / LA / NYC (stage manager for Nas)

TOURS (VARIOUSLY AS TM / PM / FOH)
** 1970’S
Robin Trower / 1979
Styx / Paradise Theatre World Tour / 1979
** 1980’S
Barry White / 1988 Full strings, over 70 inputs
Chicago / 1989–1990
David Sanborn  / 1986–1994, 2001–2003
Psychedelic Furs  / 1986–1987
** 1990’S
Aimee Mann  / 1999–2001
Barry Manilow  / 1991–1995
Fiona Apple / 1996–1998, 2007–2008, 2010
Joe Henry / TM 1999–2016
Chris Isaak / 1994–1997
Lisa Stansfield / 1990–1992, Hong Kong 1997
10,000 Maniacs / 1992–1993
** 2000’S
Christopher Cross / 2001–2012
Cowboy Junkies / 2007–2010
** MORE RECENTLY
Animal Collective /  2012–2017
Bonnie Raitt / 2014–2021
Fiona Apple / 2007–2008, 2010
Jim James / 2018 - 2019
”Live From Here” NPR Radio Show 2019 - 2020
Luna / 2001- 2018
Marc Cohn / 2013–2015 + 2019
My Morning Jacket / TM 2019 - 2021
Nick Swardson / 2014
Nickel Creek / 2020
Punch Brothers / 2019 - 2020
The Decemberists / 2020
The Wallflowers /2012–2013
The Jayhawks / 2010 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020

ONE-OFFS AND MINI-TOURS, VARIOUSLY AS TM / PM / FOH
James Taylor (assistant TM) / Juana Molina / Rosanne Cash / Bruce Hornsby  / Tune-Yards / Suzanne Vega / Al Jarreau / Ella Fitzgerald / NAS / Joan Baez / Calexico / Nick Lowe / Luther Vandross

Member of Event Safety Alliance since 2014
Board Of Directors / JusticeAid.org

https://www.reverse-thread.com/

Pam Matthews is a proven industry leader with four decades of experience in the entertainment business. She began her career at age fifteen as a runner for Mid South Concerts in Memphis. Today, she serves the live entertainment industry as Executive Director of one of its most influential trade organizations. 

Matthews toured as an accountant for KISS and Ozzy Osbourne in the early 80s and was part of the Pace Concerts (now Live Nation) team that designed, constructed, and managed Starwood Amphitheatre in Nashville.  In 1988, after three seasons at 18,000+ capacity concert venue, Matthews accepted a marketing/accounting position with The Judds’ in-house booking agency and production company Pro Tours, Inc.  In 1991 Pro Tours promoted 110 of the 128 sold-out concerts on The Judds Farewell Tour, which was second to the Grateful Dead as the highest grossing North American tour that year.  As Wynonna began her solo career and restructured her business, Matthews joined the management side of the organization and eventually became Vice President & Treasurer of Wynonna, Inc. and J2K, Inc.  As an officer of J2K, Inc., Matthews headed the multi-company team that produced The Judds’ sold-out New Year’s Eve 1999 concert and the 2000 reunion tour that followed.

In 2000, Gaylord Entertainment selected Pam Matthews to be General Manager of Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.  During her tenure, the Ryman became one of the top-grossing theaters in North America and received its National Historic Landmark status and numerous awards including its first-ever Pollstar Theatre of the Year, Academy of Country Music Venue of the Year, and IEBA Venue of the Year honors.

In 2008, Matthews resigned her position at the Ryman to be with her husband, a decorated Special Operations Team Leader in the U.S. Army, while he was stationed at the Presidio of Monterey, California.  Matthews and her husband, who is now a legislative attorney with the Tennessee General Assembly, settled back home in Nashville in 2012.

Matthews joined IEBA as its Executive Director in 2013. Since then, the 50-year-old organization has tripled its membership and attendance at its annual conference continues to sell-out year after year. In 2017, IEBA established its Educational Outreach Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity that has endowed over $1M in scholarships at universities across the country and awards $75k annually to students seeking a career in the entertainment industry.

Matthews attended Christ Church College, Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.  In 1989, she passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination.  During her career, Pam Matthews has been featured in numerous publications including Billboard, Pollstar, Better Homes & Gardens, and The Tennessean.  In 2006, Billboard magazine ranked Matthews on its first “Women in Music” list. Recent honors include Nashville Business Journal “Women in Music City” and VenuesNow “Women of Influence.” Matthews has served on the Board of Directors of the Opry Trust Fund, Nashville Downtown Partnership, Leadership Music, and Americana Music Association, and currently serves on the Music City Music Council’s Leadership Forum and Leadership Music’s program committee. She is a frequent speaker and moderator at conferences and universities worldwide.

https://ieba.org/

Victor Reed Sr. has been on the road since the late 70s. From his early days with Bobby Brown, Bell Biv DeVoe, and Rick James, to Stevie Wonder’s performance at President Obama’s 2nd inaugural, to recent tours with Kendrick Lamar and Mary J Blige, Victor has built an impressive resume of achievements and eventually became CEO of his own company, Global Events Production Network, LLC.

Highlights from just the last 10 years of Victor's career:

2020
NICK CANNON – (Wild-N-Out Live US Tour) Production Manager
JILL SCOTT – (“Who Is Jill Scott” 20 Year Anniversary World Tour) Production Manager

2019
A$AP Rocky – (Injured Generation – US Tour) Tour Mgr. & Production Mgr
Kendrick Lamar – (Lollapalooza South America - Festival Tour) Production Mgr
Mary J Blige & NAS – (Royalty - Summer Tour) Production Mgr

2018
Kendrick Lamar – (Championship - North American Spring Tour) Production Mgr
Kendrick Lamar – (Damn – Australia, Japan & Korea Summer Tour) Production Mgr
J. Cole – (K O D – North America Summer Tour) Production Mgr

2017
Mary J Blige – (Australia and Japan Spring Tour) Production Mgr
Jill Scott – Summer Tour (Domestic Tour) Production Mgr
Mary J Blige – (Domestic and European Summer Tour) Production Mgr
J. Cole – (4 Yours Eyes Only - European Fall & Australia Winter Tour) Production Mgr

2016
Jill Scott – Summer Tour (Domestic Summer Tour Jun – Sep) Production Mgr
Mary J Blige & Maxwell – (King & Queen World Tour Europe) Production Mgr (MJB)
Mary J Blige & Maxwell – (King & Queen World Tour US) Production Mgr (MJB)

2015
Nicky Minaj – Pink Print World Tour ( Domestic and International ) Production Mgr
Jill Scott – Summer Tour (Domestic Summer Tour) Production Mgr
Jill Scott – Summer Tour (Domestic Winter Tour) Production Mgr

2014
OutKast 20 Year Reunion Tour (USA and International Fest Tour) Production Mgr
Steven Wonder – Songs In The Key of Life Tour (Winter Leg) Tour Mgr
Mary J Blige -­‐ (Superbowl Party w/ John Legend & Marc Anthony) Production Mgr

2013
J. COLE -­‐ (“What Dreams May Come Tour” – US and Canada) Production Mgr
JILL SCOTT – (US, Australian, and African Tour, New Year’s Eve RCMH) Production Mgr
MARY J. BLIGE -­‐ (“Liberation Tour 2013”, US, Jamaica, & Italy) Production Mgr
STEVIE WONDER – (Presidential Inaugural Ball) Production Mgr

2012
STEVIE WONDER – (Obama Presidential Campaign for Ohio & Virginia, 2012) Production Mgr
MARY J. BLIGE -­‐ (“Liberation Tour 2012” w/ D’Angelo, Melanie Fiona) Production Mgr
JILL SCOTT -­‐ (“Jill Scott’s Summer Block Party 2012”, US & European Tour) Production Mgr

2011
JILL SCOTT -­‐ (“Jill Scott’s Summer Block Party 2011”, US & European Tour) Production Mgr
KEYSHIA COLE -­‐ (R. Kelly Love Letter Tour w/ Marsha Ambrosias) Production Mgr
STEVIE WONDER – (Private Event in LA & Tribute to Joseph Lowery in Atlanta) Production Mgr

2010
EARTH, WIND, & FIRE -­‐ (US Tour 2010) Production Manager

https://www.instagram.com/gep_network
https://www.facebook.com/Global-Events-Production-324548604594850

For the podcast:
http://www.beyondthespotlightpodcast.com
https://www.instagram.com/BeyondtheSpotlightPodcast

Many people have seen Marcia Ramirez performing on stage with artists such as Rodney Crowell, Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis and Tanya Tucker.  Now people are discovering Marcia's own music as she's becoming an in-demand performer at many venues across the country, such as the world famous "Bluebird Cafe" in Nashville, TN.  Marcia is a multi-instrumentalist, as well as one of Nashville's busiest session singers.  Marcia has 5 solo albums, “Compromise”,  "The Barefoot Sessions", "Life Goes On", "Beautifully Lived"  and her newest project, released in June 2017 "Abba's Child", her first faith-based project.

Her song, "God and My Girlfriends" is currently on Reba McEntire's new CD, "Sing It Now: Songs of Faith and Hope", and her song "You Belong In The Sun" is on Jo Dee Messina's Greatest Hits, garnering Marcia her first Gold Record.
Marcia has also had her songs cut by American Idol finalist Scott McIntyre, Australian Country Music Star Melinda Schneider, Grand Ol' Opry stars, The Whites, Nashville Star finalist Rachel Williams and many others, including Brandon Rhyder, Supersonic Blues Machine, Leather and Lace, Shari Rowe and Canadian Star Tara Oram.  She is currently touring with pop legend Christopher Cross and squeezing in her own shows across the country as well.

In 2017, Marcia felt called by God to start a new kind of women’s ministry that encourages diversity and serves women of all faiths and beliefs. Together with her childhood friend, Lisa Schmitz, Marcia started “God and My Girlfriends Ministries”.  As Founder and President, Marcia oversees content, leads the online community, serves as host for the quarterly “G&G Gatherings” in Nashville, TN, and performs and speaks at women’s events across the country. You can find out more about “God and My Girlfriends Ministries” at www.godandmygirlfriendsonline.com 

Marcia has performed live with:
Patty Loveless, Rodney Crowell, Christopher Cross, Tanya Tucker, Lee Ann Womack, Pam Tillis, Mindy McCready, Bill Anderson, Henry Lee Summer, Jason Sellers, Linda Davis, Deborah Allen, Shane McAnally, and many more.

Album credits (background vocals):
Rodney Crowell --- Fate's Right Hand
Rodney Crowell --- The Outsider
Rodney Crowell -- The Essential Rodney Crowell
Billy Dean  -- Let Them Be Little
Marty Raybon   -- At His Best
Cletus T. Judd  -- Bipolar and Proud
Brandon Rhyder -- Live at Billy Bob's
Brandon Rhyder -- Conviction
Brandon Rhyder -- That's Just Me
Ray Scott  ---  Rayality
Ryan James   -- Directed
Elizabeth Cook  -- Balls
Walt Wilkins  -- Hopewell
Sam Baker  -- Pretty World
Kylie Harris --  Love, Lessons and Lies
Jason Eady  -- From underneath the old
John Berry  --  Hits
Jimmy Fortune  -- I believe
Hank Williams Jr.  -- I'm one of you
Shane McAnally  -- Shane McAnally
Carolyn Martin  -- Cookin' with Carolyn
Hal Ketchum   --- Lucky Man
Rachel Williams  -- Lonely at the Bottom
Britt Savage  --- Fingerprints

TV appearances include:
The David Letterman Show
Good Morning America
The CBS Morning Show
The Conan O'Brien Show
The ACM Awards
The Grand Old Opry Live
PBS Presents: Christopher Cross and Friends

https://www.marciaramirez.com/
https://www.instagram.com/marciaramirez/
https://www.facebook.com/marcia.ramirez

Lady A began her performance career as a back-up singer in a Motown Revue band during the 90's.  Her love of music, gospel background, Louisiana roots, and musical family always led her back to the blues and gospel music, mixed with flavors of soul and funk like a perfect jambalaya.  Known as "The Hardest Workin Woman in Blues, Soul, Funk & Gospel"  continue reading and find out why...  

Voted Best Blues Performer of the Year 2020 ~ Lady A's NEW CD Project:  Lady A Live in New Orleans released in July of 2020.  She and co-producer John Oliver III have been dreaming of doing a live project for some time, and they enlisted the assistance of her Mississippi producer, Dexter Allen. Though born and raised in Seattle, Washington, you can clearly hear the southern undertones in her music and lyrics .
 
Lady A also performs as a solo act when on the road and has been front woman for European bands such as Sweden's Top Dogs of Soul and The Netherland's band Blind Bart & the Visionarries. 

Lady A also works and performs with her accompanist and pianist/producer John Oliver III, doing special projects such as, United by Music Europe and North America, for which she was a mentor from 2011 - 2016.  Because of her assistance with the UBM organization, she was asked to come to Denmark by Music Unites Europe in order to work with and teach a Gospel Music Workshop with bands and singers from Germany, Holland, Sweden and Denmark.  Both organization help intellectually disabled persons sing and perform on stage and are dear to Lady A's heart.  Her belief is to always "Give Back, that which you have been Blessed with"

She produced her first mini tour, Buzin The Northwest, in March of 2015 featuring Deep Rush Record Recording artist, Dexter Allen and herself, from Seattle to Portland. This tour was met with acclaimed success by sold out audiences and festival producers have praised her accomplishment of producing and performing during this tour.  In May of 2017, she produced The Big Blues Blowout with mentor and friend, 2017 Grammy Winner Bobby Rush, Chicago's Nellie Tiger Travis, and Producer, Dexter Allen.  Again to a sold out Seattle audience.  Proving she is a producer as well as an artist.

She is also a mentor to young people as well as a community activist.

https://www.ladyababyblues.com
https://thetruthisloud.info/
https://www.ladyababyblues.com/moments-in-black-history-2021-food-for-the-souls
https://www.instagram.com/LadyA_bluesdiva/

Gabi Parra is a tour production specialist with over 15 years in the live event business. Having begun as venue staff, production runner, and stagehand for a wide array of artists such as Elton John, Bob Dylan, Blue Man Group, Lil Wayne, and Tom Petty, she would then go on touring life. 

For the past 10 years, she has served as the lead production coordinator for Earth, Wind & Fire. Parra also has experience working in the corporate world as a freelance production coordinator for corporate and festival events. She has worked high profile events for the Democratic National Committee, Superbowl and Glastonbury Festival. Gabi also currently works as regional operations manager and backstage coordinator for Musical Chairs in the New York tri-state area. She also is bilingual – English and Spanish.

We chatted with Gabi back in early November, 2019 to find out how she found her way into the touring life, how her interest in psychology helps her on the road, and why pickles on your sandwich aren't really a problem in the bigger picture.

https://www.instagram.com/gabbers29/
http://www.tourforensics.com/
https://www.musicalchairsbackstage.com/

Sarina Larson is the Co-Founder of Merch Roadie. In pandemic times, she is focused on Digital-Tour Management work, a new approach to the music business for artists that she's hypothesized. She is from Sacramento, CA, and currently lives in Nashville, TN, frequenting Germany and the UK.  She has lived in Thailand, The Netherlands, and the USA. She has a Bachelor's degree in International Business and is currently applying to law school.

http://www.merchroadie.com
https://www.instagram.com/merchroadie

Jim has spent three decades bringing celebrated talent to stages across the globe. Longtime Director of Touring for multi-platinum recording artists Linkin Park, he has shepherded productions for diverse and high-profile clients including Enrique Iglesias, Backstreet Boys, Marilyn Manson, The Bolshoi Ballet, Phil Collins, and Bon Jovi.   

Jim’s is passionate about event safety, sharing professional knowledge, and driving positive change in the industry. He is the Co-Founder and Chairman of the Event Safety Alliance, and recently co-founded SHOW MAKERS, a non-profit designed to educate, develop standards, and strengthen the live event community.   

Jim is a board member of the Behind The Scenes Foundation, 4-time Tour Link Production Manager of the Year, and the 2012 Parnelli’s “Production Manager of the Year” award. He regularly serves as a conference keynote speaker where he speaks on matters relating to event safety, event production as a trade, and the often challenging human condition in live events.

Co-Founder - President
Event Safety Alliance

Founding Partner
Show Maker Symposium 501(c)(3)

Principal
Show Makers Productions Inc

Production Manager / Director of Touring
Linkin Park Touring Inc + Bill Silva Entertainment

Production Manager
Various Artists: Meghan Trainor 2018, Hootie & The Blowfish-1996-97, Blues Traveler-1997, Bolshoi Ballet-1998-99, H.O.R.D.E. Festival 1998, Marilyn Manson-1999-01, Back Street Boys-2008-10, Linkin Park-2002-17

Multiple Advisory Boards and Volunteering

List of resources mentioned in episode, suggested reading & social media handles:

https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/
https://www.showmakers.com/
https://www.instagram.com/eventsafetyalliance/
https://www.instagram.com/weareshowmakers
https://www.behindthescenescharity.org

Ashley Lomax has 12+ years of singing and songwriting and 8+ years of VIP touring experience with such companies as Live Nation and On The List Presents. She has a deep love and passion for music, songwriting, and the arts in general. Ashley is one of the lucky ones who has figured out a way to incorporate the things that are actually a part of her skill set into her career and into her daily life.

Ashley has been involved on various tours such as Kanye West, Slipknot and Janet Jackson as a VIP Coordinator, and she was production assistant to Cher for two years during her MGM residency in Washington D.C. Since 2018, Ashley has acted as Hospitality Coordinator for BIG 3 Basketball, the pro basketball league founded by Ice Cube.

Ashley’s goals in life are to be a music supervisor and/or work on a music tour. Currently working on her bachelors in music business and or entertainment business, Ashley would like to receive her Masters in ethnomusicology at some point. She is currently based in Maryland.

https://www.instagram.com/theashleyalexander/
https://www.instagram.com/batbuddha/
https://www.youtube.com/c/Ashleyalexandertv