Episode 009: Jessica Rosenblatt Interview

Jessica Rosenblatt Interview - Executive Director of OAPN:

Connect with presenting organizations close to home to find great resources in your state, region or country. Ohio Arts Professionals Network – OAPN, can help you take your performance game to new levels.

SHOW NOTES

Jessica Rosenblatt, Executive Director of Ohio Arts Professionals Network (OAPN), has a decade of experience in the Ohio music industry and a background in Marketing and Small Business Management. She is also the booking agent and manager for Fighting Chance Records, an artist-owned independent Cleveland-based record label. Jessica worked as the Marketing Coordinator for Cain Park, the “Booking Diva” for CLE Urban Winery where she booked local and regional talent.

In this episode, I’m speaking with the Executive Director of the Ohio Arts Professional Network. This is a network of presenting organizations, artist, agents, and managers who rely on OAPN.org for statewide resources and connections to present the performing arts throughout Ohio. As most presenting organizations, OAPN has had to adjust their programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, I wanted to speak with Jessica Rosenblatt to find out just what Presenter Networks like OAPN are dealing with to give you the inside scoop.m

Interview Overview:

[02:21] Jessica provides a brief background description of working as an agent and manager and all the experience that qualified her to become the Executive director of OAPN.

If you would like to find out more, check out OAPN.org or go to the link in this episode’s show notes at getgreatgigs.com/009

[04:55] OAPN might seem only like a booking conference serving artists, agents, managers and presenting organizations. Jessica shares OAPN’s larger picture and all it strives to do for those they serve.

[09:38] OAPN had to pivot their conference schedule plans for 2020 due to COVID-19. Here Jessica shares how they are shifting and creating new services to help their members.

[16:03] OAPN has put in place some new offerings to keep the communications channels open among all its members. Jessica previews their latest programs and discusses some future plans.

[18:03] Jessica shares more information about the new resources for their members including the newest version of their website platform.

[19:51] Many presenting organizations are launching live streaming presentations. Jessica talks about some of those presenters and the programs they are working on.

[21:06] We talk about who is solving the streaming platform tech challenges for the venues. Some venues are seeking outside help from sound reinforcement companies, others are using their own crews. Everyone has had to become overnight tech savvy to jump on the social media streaming platforms. Hear some of the ideas shared.

[25:22] Jessica shares her vision for her role as Executive Director and to what she is looking forward.

[26:30] We discuss the impact Jessica has on OAPN, having come from the artist/agent perspective rather than the presenter perspective.

[31:37] OAPN is just the right size organization to get involved with at any stage of an artist’s touring career. It offers state centered resources, multiple sized venue opportunities and resources to help move you from where you are to your next logical level. Hear Jessica’s call to action for those wanting to up their performance game.

[34:46] Jessica shares some final thoughts about why artists, agents, managers and presenter’s organizations should consider checking out OAPN.org and explore the resources and opportunities offered by the organization.

See how participating in a professional arts presenter’s network might benefit your career. If you live in another country or a state other than Ohio, you might discover a presenter’s network in your region. It is a resource worth exploring.

If you would like to find out more, check out OAPN.org or go to the link in this episode’s show notes at getgreatgigs.com/009

Ohio Arts Professionals Network
OAPN.org

Join Me Next Week

I’ll be speaking with Aengus Finnan, the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International. As one of the founding members of this organization, I’m excited to hear how Folk Alliance has been re-imagining it’s programing and advocating for its world-wide community of folk and acoustic music entertainment professionals.

Theme Music

Thanks to Dan Crary for providing the Get Great Gigs theme music, Thunderation, and for doing the voice-over open and close to the podcast. Check out his music at DanCrary.com

Thanks for listening!

Until next week, thanks for listening. I appreciate you subscribing and being a part of the Get Great Gigs community of touring artists. Your work really enriches our lives. I’m thrilled to be able to give something back to you so you may continue to do what you do by booking more gigs to reach more people.

GetGreatGigs.com is the musician’s and performing artists resource to help book more gigs for more money and turn possible into profitable.

One Final Note

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are helping musicians one T-shirt at a time with our T-shirt and song project,
“I’m Smiling at You Behind My Mask.” A portion of every
T- Shirt sold benefits MusiCares, a Recording Academy charity to help music people in need. Go to 360smiling.com for details.