Amanda Forbes, Tour Accountant

Amanda Forbes, Tour Accountant

Amanda Forbes

“I had the opportunity for Amanda [Forbes] to shadow me on a few tour runs and she truly impressed everyone,” says Tour Director David ‘5-1’ Norman. “I am so proud to see she’s been out with Dave Matthews Band and making a good impression on everyone. The young lady truly amazes me.”

Echoing the familiar refrain of, “I didn’t know this could be a career,” Forbes is certainly having a good go of launching herself in the live event business. She is currently out on tour with Dave Matthews Band (DMB) as Assistant Tour Accountant/Administrative Assistant, and she got there by working for companies like CID Presents, Sixthman, and Live Nation on shows for the likes of Kenny Chesney and Luke Bryan, among others. Shadowing Norman for a few My Morning Jacket shows was certainly a break. Otherwise, the Florida native has been wisely filling her time working whatever live event she can, from production running to VIP support, Artist Relations, and more. And for anyone looking to emulate how she got into the business, the three words might be “volunteer, learn, and network.” “My philosophy is that no matter what the job, if I can get new or additional live event experience, it’ll help me become better in this business.”

Entertainment Management Classes

Forbes grew up in Jacksonville, FL, and she says that from an early age she took to the classic rock her parents had playing in the house, which led to a love of going to see live shows. “But I had zero musical talent,” she says with a laugh. “And since I couldn’t play an instrument, why would I consider any kind of career involving music?” She started college in 2019 at the University of Central Florida as undeclared, but then a program in Entertainment Management caught her eye. She started taking the program’s course work and took to it right away. “I then started doing every single thing I possibly could that might help me learn about the music business in any way.” This included volunteering at shows and festivals and being a runner for live events happening on the campus.

Forbes then took on internships. Her first was at Entertainment Technology Partners in Orlando, a global multi-brand entertainment company that owns LMG, among others. There she assisted in event planning, helped teach classes to other employees, and worked at their CoiL Learning Center. She took advantage of the company’s emphasis on networking and lifelong education which she credits for giving her a strong foundation in the business. After that pandemic “break,” she went back at it picking up whatever work and experience she could. This includes additional educational opportunities; she cites the webinar she participated in, “Tour Management 101,” as especially valuable. Next came work back on campus with the Pegasus Music Group, the University’s organization that provides students with involvement and networking opportunities within the music industry. She rose to be President of the organization before graduating with a BS in Entertainment Management in 2021.

Amanda Forbes with mentor, Tour Director David ‘5-1’ Norman

Then came another internship that would have an especially big impact on her career trajectory: Well Dunn Foundation. The Atlanta-based nonprofit is dedicated to closing the diversity gap in the music and entertainment industry. Norman, President of the organization, was one of the people she worked with there. He says he noticed her attention to detail and due diligence right away, and “it was amazing to note that someone that young could be so efficient.” He introduced her to Nancy Tarr, Executive Director of the foundation. Forbes then got to help Tarr and Norman create and launch the first round of Well Dunn Mentorship Programs in the Fall of 2020. Norman next put her in touch with Sixthman, an Atlanta-based cruise event production company, where she freelances as part of the PA/Host Assistant/Artist Relations team on various events such as the KISS Kruise, Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea, and Cayamo.

> Continue reading at plsn.com

Continue ReadingAmanda Forbes, Tour Accountant

SPRING 23 MENTORSHIP PROGRAM LAUNCHED

SPRING 23 MENTORSHIP PROGRAM LAUNCHED

The Well Dunn Mentorship 2023 Spring Cohort launched in April with over 40 mentees and 60 mentors and speakers.  We are dedicated to empowering individuals who are aspiring to break into the music industry. This program is one of our most valuable learning experiences.

This transformative program spans over eight weeks, offering mentees a unique opportunity to learn about different career paths. During the first four weeks of the program, we featured a series of captivating sessions where mentees had the privilege of listening to renowned music industry professionals as guest speakers. These speakers shared their insights, stories, and expertise, shedding light on various aspects of the music industry.

During the second four weeks, mentees were paired with experienced and accomplished industry professionals who served as their mentors. These mentors provided valuable guidance, advice, and support. They spent the four weeks helping mentees navigate the intricacies of the music industry and develop their skills and networks. The Well Dunn Foundation’s mentorship program serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, fostering meaningful connections, and nurturing the next generation of music industry leaders!  Many of our mentees were able to meet up with their mentors in person for job shadowing and externship opportunities.  Our next mentorship program launches in October, if you are interested in being a mentor please apply here.

Continue ReadingSPRING 23 MENTORSHIP PROGRAM LAUNCHED

WELL DUNN AT MUSIC FESTIVALS & THE EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM

WELL DUNN AT MUSIC FESTIVALS & THE EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Well Dunn has been making the rounds at many festivals this season, Well Dunn students have externed at Boston Calling, Hangout Festival, Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and Outside Lands and Nancy Tarr (Executive Director) and the Dunn family had a chance to meet up with many Well Dunn Alums and Externs along the way such as Oliva Scott (WD 21), Mel Telesmanic (WD 22), and Well Dunn extern Lena Wang (WD 23). 

Chris and Amanda Dunn also met up with Judy Heyman (Another Planet) and interns Lena Wang (WD 23), Taylor Chow (23), and Mustafa Khan (WD 23) at Outside Lands. Lena had the extra adventure of job shadowing at Boston Calling with The Lumineers in addition to also working in Ambiance and GA+ at Outside Lands! Pictured above, from left to right  (at Outside Lands),  Chris Dunn, Mustafa Khan, Amanda Dunn, Amanda Dunn, Judy Heyman, Amanda Dunn, Lena Wang, Taylor Chow, Chris Dunn.

Well Dunn also celebrated its 10th year at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and Nancy, Chris and Deborah Dunn, and Annabel Lukins all participated. We met up with current Well Dunn interns (Riley Seachrist (WD 23) & Brenda Ceja (WD 23) along with many Well Dunn externs. Pictured below, left to right are Chinaecherem Nwaubani (WD 22), Nancy Tarr, V Fuchs

(WD 21), Mia Michael (WD 23), Annabel Lukins and a Bonnaroo Extern.

This externship program provides college students with a remarkable opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the largest and most iconic music festivals of the summer: Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.

This program offers a unique blend of immersive learning, real-world exposure, and unforgettable memories. Participants are immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival, working alongside industry professionals and contributing to the behind-the-scenes operations that make Bonnaroo happen! Externs have the chance to explore various facets of the music industry firsthand including Accessibility, Artist Relations, VIP programs, Operations, and Volunteer Management.  The Bonnaroo + Well Dunn Externship Program is a transformative experience in shaping the careers of aspiring music industry professionals!  Apply to be a Well Dunn intern here.

Continue ReadingWELL DUNN AT MUSIC FESTIVALS & THE EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM

RILEY AT THE HANGOUT FESTIVAL – Riley’s Point of View

RILEY AT THE HANGOUT FESTIVAL – Riley’s Point of View

This past May I participated in AEG’s College Connections Program at The Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. My time at The Hangout Music Festival was an absolutely amazing experience that I will cherish forever.

As an intern employed by AEG’s College Connections Program, I had the incredible opportunity to hear from industry professionals working the festival and assist various departments during the build, the festival, and the tear down. I spent a large part of the week helping the Art and Design team with the festival’s build. Throughout the week, I was able to witness firsthand the meticulous planning and hard work that goes into creating such a spectacular event. During the festival, I had the privilege of working alongside The Pinecone Project team.

The Pinecone Project team was in charge of the Premium Guest Experiences. I really enjoyed working with them because they were some of the most helpful and caring people I’ve ever met. While working in the guest VIP areas I interacted with festival-goers by helping them with accommodations, answering any questions, and always did my best to ensure they had an unforgettable time. The most memorable aspect of my internship was undoubtedly the people I met along the way.

From fellow interns to industry professionals, I formed meaningful connections and made lifelong friends who shared my passion for music and events. Hangout Music Festival provided me with hands-on experience, countless memories, and a network of amazing individuals.  Interested in being a Well Dunn intern?  Apply for our program here.

Continue ReadingRILEY AT THE HANGOUT FESTIVAL – Riley’s Point of View

Paying It Forward To Help The Next Generation Break Into the Biz

Photo by Alex Prince / courtesy Henry Bordeaux / Tour Management 101

Tour Management 101 interns on site at Lollapalooza with Tyler, the Creator’s team in Chicago: tour manager Henry Bordeaux, Alix Negrin, Veronica Fuchs Espinal, production manager David ‘5-1’ Norman, and Tia Harewood-Millington.

When Tyler, the Creator took the stage at Lollapalooza July 30 to close out Day 2 with a headline performance that was praised by the Chicago Sun Times as a “visionary, art-driven set that melded jazz, R&B, rap, trip hop and darkcore,” his show came to life in part because of the efforts of a few Tour Management 101 interns who shadowed Tyler’s team.

“We had a couple of students that shadowed us at Lollapalooza and we didn’t take it lightly on them,” production manager David ‘5-1’ Norman of Tour Forensics told Pollstar. “We said if you guys want to see what it’s really like, you’re going to have to come with us at midnight [for] load-in.”

He added, “Tour manager Henry Bordeaux brings in students to shadow, because that’s the best way to learn. … You know, you can talk about it, but you’ve got to walk the walk. You’ve got to physically be involved.” 

The team loaded in at midnight, left Chicago’s Grant Park at 10:15 a.m., went back to the hotel, slept for a few hours, and then returned to the site at 6:30 p.m. Tyler, the Creator’s went on at 8:45 and then load-out finished up around 1 a.m.

Norman praised the interns, Alix Negrin, Veronica Fuchs Espinal and Tia Harewood-Millington, commenting that he “never heard them complain, like, ‘Oh, I’m so tired’ or anything. They came in, they knew what to expect and they jumped in and helped out where needed. They did amazing.

“I also have to give a shout out to our production coordinator on Tyler. His name is Alex Prince – who’s amazing. He really helped the students out in the production office, teaching them and guiding them. Between Henry and Alex, I think the students learned a lot.”

> Read the rest of Sarah Pittman’s article on Pollstar.com

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Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward with Well Dunn

Today we are launching a new fundraising campaign to celebrate Emily Dunn’s 30th birthday and to raise funds for the Well Dunn Intern program.
Take a moment to read about Emily and the number one reason all of us here at Well Dunn are so passionate about helping college students pursue their dreams of working in the music and entertainment business.

From Deborah – Emily’s mother:

I was very sad to day when I woke up. Today is Emily’s 30th birthday. When she was a little girl, I imagined Emily as a grown-up. I knew her as a college graduate and I knew her at 23. She was beautiful and happy, with her new life in San Francisco. But she was not yet a grown up. Being a grown up is hard to define. I wonder if she would have found the love of her life, maybe more than one. I wonder if she would have stayed in California or found that too limiting for her. I wonder if she would still wear her hair long always blowing in the wind. I know that she would be so happy for her sister and would love to be planning her wedding. I imagine there would be lots of purple and maybe some arguments over dress styles. I know that she would love Jon, his eyes, his deep laugh so similar to hers and the love of dance she shares. She would also love her niece Claire. Emily would be the aunt to take Claire out on adventures that would never be shared with her parents. I know that Emily would have lots of shoes and boots this year, because it seems she had a hand in the design this season.
Emily, I still have so many dreams for you. Each time we are successful in placing a candidate for a Well Dunn Intern, I think there is a chance that one of your dreams may be coming true.

All of my love to you today and every day. Mom

In honor of Emily, please Pay It Forward with Well Dunn and help us grow the Emily’s Scholarship fund to provide iconic internships to college students with financial need. A donation of $30 would be a wonderful way to celebrate Emily’s 30th birthday. We are grateful for any amount you are able to give.

If you are interested in sponsoring an intern, you can do so at a variety of levels starting at $1,000 to sponsor an intern for one month, $3,000 sponsors an intern for a summer and a donation in the amount of $4,000 would sponsor an intern for a spring or fall internship. Thank you for helping the Well Dunn Iconic Internship program by paying it forward!

You can make your donation at www.welldunn.org/donate.

Continue ReadingPay It Forward