In this episode of Music Industry Experts, host Brendan Jeannetti had the opportunity to sit down with Britt Ryan, the Festival Director for Levitate. Levitate, a well-known brand in New England, hosts the annual Levitate Music and Arts Festival and the fall-themed Flannel Jam, both of which celebrate creativity and the spirit of community.
Britt Ryan's career in the festival world has been nothing short of impressive. With over a decade of experience in live events, including a stint as an Associate Producer at the renowned Newport Festivals, she brings a wealth of expertise and insights to the table. Throughout the interview, she shared her journey and offered valuable advice for young professionals in the industry and independent artists looking to gain visibility.
A Festival Rooted in Community
Levitate's roots go back two decades when it began as a surf and skateboard shop, inspired and guided by its founder, Bob Pollard. After his untimely passing, Dan Hassett, the current owner, took over the shop, nurturing its growth. Levitate expanded beyond retail, hosting events like beach cleanups, surf movie nights, and creative camps for kids.
The turning point came when Levitate celebrated its 10th anniversary and decided to throw a birthday party that would become the first Levitate Music and Arts Festival. What started with 1500 attendees has now grown into a three-day festival with 20,000 patrons per day, featuring multiple stages, a vibrant arts scene, and a dedicated community of music lovers.
Levitate's commitment to community doesn't stop with festivals. They've created Levitate Backyard, a seasonal music venue that has become a hub for local talent and music enthusiasts. Moreover, during the pandemic, Levitate established the Levitate Foundation, a nonprofit creating and conserving access to music, arts, and the outdoors.
The Heart of a Festival Director
As the Festival Director for Levitate, Britt Ryan plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the intricate details that make a festival come to life. Her day-to-day tasks involve coordinating various departments, ensuring they have the necessary resources, and overseeing everything from site operations and production to sponsorship and artist relations.
Britt finds the most satisfaction in the logistical puzzle that is a festival. She enjoys the challenge of bringing together numerous moving parts and making sure everything fits seamlessly. It's about looking at the bigger picture and ensuring all elements come together harmoniously to create an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Advice for Aspiring Festival Professionals
For young professionals looking to make a career in festivals and events, Britt offers valuable insights. She emphasizes the importance of getting hands-on experience in various festival departments. Whether it's working in the box office, site operations, or artist relations, gaining exposure to different aspects of event management is invaluable.
For both music industry professionals and artists, networking is a crucial aspect of breaking into the industry. Britt advises connecting with professionals in the field, seeking mentorship, and never hesitating to ask questions. The music industry often fosters a supportive community willing to share knowledge and insights.
For artists, Britt highlights the significance of building a community around your music as an independent artist. Drawing inspiration from the jam band model, Britt emphasizes that creating a loyal and engaged fan base can have a lasting impact. The power of word-of-mouth recommendations and genuine human connections can't be underestimated in an era dominated by algorithms and technology.
Goals Beyond the Festival World
In the world of festivals and live events, Britt Ryan stands as a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and community. Her journey demonstrates that dedication and a love for what you do can lead to a fulfilling career that enriches the lives of countless music enthusiasts. With her guidance, Levitate continues to create experiences that bring people together, celebrate creativity, and leave lasting memories of music!
LEARN MORE ABOUT FLANNEL JAM:
Flannel Jam will take place on October 8 at Marshfield Fairgrounds, with an encore performance on October 9 at Cisco Brewers in Nantucket. The lineup includes renowned acts like Old Crow Medicine Show, Chadwick Stokes & The Pintos, Jackson + Mihali, Futurebirds, Melt, The Heavy Heavy, Ali McGuirk, and Birch Swart & Sesalia. Nantucket's encore edition will feature Old Crow Medicine Show, Chadwick Stokes & The Pintos, Ali McGuirk, and Buckle & Shaketo.
Flannel Jam is also the official release party for Levitate's 2023 Fall Line, featuring eco-friendly apparel inspired by surf culture, music, art, and the outdoors. These designs will be available for purchase at both events.
Tickets for Flannel Jam are on sale now via Tixr, and more information can be found on the website www.levitateflanneljam.com. The event will showcase live art, muralists, and an expanded artisan village to celebrate New England artists. It will also offer fall-themed treats like hot spiked cider, hot apple cider donuts, craft beer, and spirits. The Kid's Zone will include a canteen and rugrat rodeo, encouraging children to engage with music and art.
Additionally, one percent of each ticket sold will benefit the Levitate Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting vibrant communities through access to music, art, and the outdoors.
FOLLOW BRITT RYAN:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittryan1/
FOLLOW MUSIC YOU’RE MISSING:
https://www.musicyouremissing.org/
FOLLOW BRENDAN JEANNETTI:
https://www.instagram.com/brendanjeannetti/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjeannetti/
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