The Music Forward Foundation—a national nonprofit in the Live Nation family, creates opportunities for young talent in the music industry by mentoring entertainment careers for the next generation–is proud to partner with Gibson Gives, the non-profit division of the legendary music brand Gibson, to support the unique and impactful annual grant program, the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards. The goal of the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards is to help break down the barriers of access in the music industry, allowing artists to have thriving and successful careers and to promote a more inclusive music industry overall. 

The Music Forward Foundation and Gibson Gives are thrilled to announce the ten LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award recipients for 2024. Each recipient will receive: 

• $3000 Grant 

• $1000 Gibson retail for an instrument. 

• Performance Opportunities that include the Gibson Garage Nashville, as well as other venues. 

• A career mentoring session with singer-songwriter and record producer Butch Walker. 

• Quarterly Mentorship with the Gibson and Music Forward teams. 

Acclaimed artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Trombone Shorty, and Andrae Alexander are past Music Forward program participants and grant recipients. While performers such as Kahlid, Sophia Carson, Lauren Daigle, Martina McBride, Carlos Santana, and Julia Michaels have served as ambassador/mentors for Music Forward: https://musicforwardfoundation.org/. With 45 of the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Awards granted, the new Music Forward and Gibson Gives partnership allows the program to continue to champion diverse voices from all backgrounds and communities, from Atlanta to Austin, and New York City to North Hollywood. 

Music Forward and Gibson Gives believe in music as a catalyst for discovery, connection, and transformation, and the power of amplifying artists and providing a forum for their diverse voices to be heard. Gibson Gives will donate over $43,000 to the program for 2024, including $33,000 in cash grants ($30k grants/$3k admin fees), and $10,000 in Gibson retail for an instrument. Music Forward develops and administers the grant awards from selection to distribution, and Music Forward and the Gibson team collectively develop and execute mentorship programs. The Quarterly Mentorship Opportunities range from songwriting sessions with Gibson artists to exploring a variety of trending topics and skills, including Gibson and Live Nation Leadership professionals sharing knowledge and insight on what it takes to find success in the business, learning from experts who have turned their passions into professions in the ever-changing entertainment industry, from bands to boardrooms and everything in between. The program is designed to help nurture artists’ growth and progress, expand their social capital, and to reduce barriers, both external and internal, that may come between them and achieving their greatest artistic potential. 

“Gibson Gives is proud to partner with Music Forward to support the LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award,” says Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “We believe in the power of individual voices and strive to break down barriers, promoting a more inclusive music industry. These awards support often-marginalized artists, nurturing their growth and helping them achieve their greatest artistic potential.”  

“At Music Forward, we work towards inspiring young artists and providing resources to drive their careers forward while making the industry more inclusive for all voices,” adds Nurit Siegel Smith, Executive Director of the Music Forward Foundation. “The LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award is a staple of our programs, and we are excited for our partnership with Gibson Gives to continue to empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ musicians.”   

Watch/share the live premiere of the video featuring the Music Forward x Gibson Gives: LGBTQ+ Emerging Artist Award recipients HERE on Friday November 1^st at 12pm PST, 3pm EST. 

LOS ANGELES – SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 – Today, Music Forward Foundation, a national non-profit organization and Live Nation’s charity partner, announced its 2nd Annual Awards Brunch and Golf Classic fundraisers in Los Angeles on October 6^th and 7^th. Last year’s inaugural events raised over $350,000 for programs empowering youth in the music industry during an unforgettable weekend celebrating music, community and giving back.  

Music Forward Foundation Executive Director Nurit Smith shares, “We’re proud to bring the music industry together for two days of fundraising and celebration of Music Forward’s mission. We will honor leaders and game-changers who have been moving our industry and our communities forward at our Brunch. The following day, we will be joined by executives and celebrities at the golf course to join forces to build critical access and opportunities for the next generation of our industry.” 

The 2^nd Annual Awards Brunch on Sunday, October 6^th at City Club Los Angeles will honor music industry visionaries who go beyond the stage to make an impact on the world:  

• Multi-platinum rock band Incubus will receive the Tour Award celebrating not only their music but also their philanthropic efforts through the Make Yourself Foundation established in 2003 supporting a wide range of causes including sustainability, disaster relief, and arts education.  

• Lollapalooza will receive the Festival Award for revolutionizing the music festival landscape – growing a small innovative festival in Chicago’s Grant Park in 1991 that blended genres and introduced multiple stages into a global phenomenon. All while, supporting arts education in Chicago Public Schools  through Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund with programs like the Immersion Day and the Lollapalooza & Sueños Festival Job Fair fostering talent and empowering future generations.  

• Actress, producer, civil rights activist Gina Belafonte + Sankofa.org will be presented the Community Award by actor Jesse Williams (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Only Murders In The Building”). Founded by Harry Belafonte and now led by CEO Gina Belafonte, Sankofa.org is dedicated to empowering artists to use their voices for meaningful change while addressing social justice issues such as systemic violence, income disparity, and the unequal justice system through art, culture, and media.  

“I’m honored to receive Music Forward’s Community Award,” said Gina Belafonte. “Sankofa.org and Music Forward share a common vision to make the world a more inclusive and equitable place. This event is an incredible gathering of those of us in the industry who use our voices for social change, one of the founding principles.” 

• Pioneering music entrepreneur Steve Rifkind will be presented the Executive Award by two-time Grammy winning musician and producer Eric Krasno (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Soulive) for his transformative impact on the industry through Loud Records, SRC Records and Spring Sound. Rifkind has been instrumental in the success of iconic hip-hop acts like Wu-Tang Clan, Remy Ma, and Mobb Deep, and his focus on artist empowerment and fair business practices makes him a beacon in the industry.  

• Brooklyn Bowl, co-founded by Peter Shapiro in 2009, will receive the Venue Award. With locations in Brooklyn, Las Vegas, Nashville, and Philadelphia, it has become a beloved institution, frequently appearing on “Best Of” lists for its exceptional experience. The venue is also a leader in sustainability, as the first bowling alley in the world to achieve L.E.E.D. certification, utilizing wind-powered lights and incorporating recycled materials.  

• BMG will receive the Corporate Award for its dedication to creating equitable opportunities and supporting the next generation of industry professionals. BMG has redefined the music industry by merging publishing and recordings into a single, transparent platform. With a mission to maximize artists’ and songwriters’ potential, BMG offers fair deals and comprehensive support to its clients. The company’s innovative approach extends to its partnership with Music Forward, providing paid internships and mentorships to diverse youth since 2020. 

Additional celebrities and music industry luminaries will be in attendance for the catered brunch that will feature special live performances. American Express is the presenting sponsor and other sponsors include Amazon, Concord Records, L’Acoustics, Pathways LA and Mexcor International. To sponsor or buy Awards Brunch tickets, visit us HERE. 

The 2^nd Annual Golf Classic swings into action on Monday, October 7^th at El Caballero County Club in Tarzana with celebrities, music executives and sponsors hitting the green for a cause. Meals, cocktails and gifting will be provided along the course from local vendors including Mr. Charlie’s, Ike’s Sandwiches, The Original Mommie Helen’s Bakery pies, Cloud Kitchens/Picnic and Chummeez candies, Centinela Tequila margaritas, Tonino Lamborghini Tequila tastings, AMASS Prosecco, Crowns & Hops, Full Circle and FrogTown breweries, Pasmosa Sangria, Sommsation wine tasting, Tractor Beverage frozen drinks, Topo Chico, Pepsi and more.  

Sponsors include Citi, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Starter, Oracle, Morgan Stanley, US Bank, HMI Insurance, J. Wood Capital, Zach Friedland, L’Acoustic and Brascia Builders. To sponsor or buy Golf Classic tickets, visit us HERE.  

For more information about these great opportunities to connect with the music community, celebrate industry heroes and support the future of the music industry, visit musicforwardfoundation.org.  

About Music Forward Foundation: 

Over the past 30+ years, Music Forward Foundation has successfully realized its mission to transform young lives, inspire careers, and champion a more inclusive music industry. Each year, the organization activates its significant network to impact more than 16,000 youth nationwide. To date, the organization has served over 1 million young people and provided more than $42 million in scholarships, workforce opportunities, relief funds, and more. Music Forward Foundation transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. musicforwardfoundation.org 

(LOS ANGELES – July 25, 2024) — Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, in partnership with the national nonprofit Music Forward Foundation, today announced the recipients of its 2024 scholarship awards. Five remarkable college students pursuing live entertainment and music industry careers have been awarded a total of $50,000 in scholarships. 

This year’s extraordinary group of talented scholarship recipients were selected based on academic performance, leadership skills, and an enthusiastic commitment to the live entertainment industry. Recipients of this year’s awards include Adina Aaron, Cristian Meza, Jasmine Gordon, Michael Brown, and Raagavi Venkatesh. 

“At Music Forward, we help pave the way for youth pursuing careers in the music and live entertainment industry,” said Music Forward Foundation Executive Director, Nurit Smith. “With the support of our generous partners, we are once again able to award impactful scholarships to deserving young people, providing a plethora of opportunities as they work to achieve their goals and dreams.” 

Adina Aaron, a 20-year-old rising junior and Business Administration major at the University of Southern California, is the recipient of the $10,000 Live Nation Scholarship. This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the five core areas of Live Nation’s business: concert promotion, venue operation, sponsorship, ticketing, and artist management. 

Aaron recently performed solo for the first time and released two singles this year while pursuing her degree. She plans to immerse herself in the day-to-day operations of the music industry and explore careers such as Music Supervisor, Creative Director, and A&R Manager, while developing herself as an artist. 

“Winning [the Live Nation Scholarship is] a huge help in supporting my education and removing the financial obstacles that stand in the way of my dreams,” said Aaron. “With rising tuition and living costs, this scholarship [gives] me the relief I need to focus on my studies and take advantage of opportunities to advance my career. It [will] also help me avoid piling up student loan debt, allowing me to pursue my passions without the worry of financial burdens.” 

Cristian Meza, a 24-year-old rising senior and Entertainment Technology major at New York City College of Technology, is the recipient of the $10,000 Governors Ball Scholarship. This scholarship supports students living in the five boroughs of New York City, pursuing a degree in live entertainment, with a focus in music. 

Meza is tremendously proud to be pursuing his college degree. Coming from an immigrant family, he will be the first in his family to achieve this feat. Meza is not afraid to dream big and strives to become an audio engineer and tour throughout the country. Eventually he hopes to open his own music venue. 

“This scholarship means so much to me,” says Meza. “When I first started this journey, I always had people telling me I couldn’t achieve my dreams, and receiving this scholarship shows me that there are people out there that do believe in me, and my dreams are reachable. I want to thank all the people who didn’t believe in me because that just helped me want it even more.” 

Jasmine Gordon, a 21-year-old rising senior and Comparative Women’s Studies major at Spelman College, is the recipient of the $10,000 Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship. This scholarship was established by Live Nation to support women pursuing careers in live entertainment. 

Gordon is a Dean’s List recipient who currently serves as President of the Spelman College Women in Hip-Hop Collective, fostering connections between students and industry leaders while celebrating the achievements of women in music. This accomplished young woman also had the honor of presenting at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards earlier this year. Gordon hopes to work in branding and marketing within urban music and live entertainment. She aspires to help influence and shape the narratives of artists, eventually establishing a mentorship program. 

“Receiving this scholarship holds profound significance for me, serving as a crucial factor in remaining enrolled at my institution,” says Gordon. “This scholarship, established in memory of one of Live Nation’s first female concert production specialists, embodies the spirit of pioneering women in live entertainment, and being a recipient motivates me to strive for excellence and to serve as a role model for other young women aspiring to make their mark in the industry.” 

Michael Brown, a 19-year-old rising sophomore of Audio Production major at Howard University is the recipient of the $10,000 David E. Ballard Scholarship. This scholarship supports youth who have experienced homelessness and/or been part of the foster care system and are pursuing a career in live entertainment.  

Brown was selected to perform at his first festival, From the Go Fest, this month. He became even more motivated to pursue his dreams when he received encouraging words from the VP of Roc Nation. Brown hopes to make a living as an audio engineer while honing his craft as a recording and performing musician. 

“I’d like to send my overwhelming gratitude to Music Forward for investing in all my dreams and holding them valuable,” says Brown. “When I initially started my college journey, knowing it would be a risk due to my lack of funding, I had no idea how my circumstances would turn out. Not only am I a first-generation college student, but I also come from a low-income household, and I’ve battled with homelessness in the past, so me deciding to bet on myself wasn’t an easy choice.” 

Raagavi Venkatesh, a 20-year-old rising senior and Music Industry major at Drexel University, is the recipient of the $10,000 Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship. Live Nation established this scholarship to award students who are passionate about improving the live music experience for fans and artists. 

Venkatesh has made a significant community impact through Drexel University’s Flux, a live music organization which provides the student body with a variety of unique musical experiences by organizing and presenting concerts and events in various locations throughout campus, while being completely student-run. Venkatesh has found being part of this impactful organization incredibly rewarding and is proud to be taking on the role of President next year. She hopes to continue her work post-graduation by enhancing the live music experience for both fans and artists through creativity and innovation. 

“Receiving the Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship has been an incredibly meaningful moment in my life,” says Venkatesh. “Not only is it the financial support, but it’s also a validation of my passion for service, and my commitment to academic and professional excellence. Knowing that my efforts have been recognized in this way fills me with so much gratitude and inspires me to continue making a difference in my community. This scholarship is such an amazing opportunity, and I couldn’t be more grateful.” 

About Live Nation Entertainment 

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com. 

About Music Forward Foundation 

Music Forward Foundation is a national nonprofit in the Live Nation family that bridges opportunities for the music community to become more innovative and inclusive by kick-starting music and live entertainment careers for the next generation through workshops, panels, and performances that connect passions to professions. Focusing on young people aged 13-24 from under-represented communities, the organization provides access to an unsurpassed nationwide network of music and live entertainment industry insiders to redefine what is possible for tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.   

Over the past 30 years, Music Forward Foundation has successfully realized its mission to transform young lives, inspire careers, and champion a more inclusive music industry. To date, the organization has served over one million young people and provided more than $42 million in scholarships, workforce opportunities, relief funds, and more. Each year, the organization activates its significant network to impact more than 20,000 youth nationwide.  

Acclaimed artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Maxwell Frost, Trombone Shorty, and Andrae Alexander are past program participants and grant recipients. While performers such as Kahlid, Sophia Carson, Lauren Diagle, Martina McBride, Carlos Santana, and Julia Michaels have served as Ambassadors for Music Forward. https://musicforwardfoundation.org/ 

(LOS ANGELES –August 10th, 2023) — Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, in partnership with the nonprofit Music Forward Foundation, today announced the recipients of its 2023 scholarship awards. Seven outstanding college students pursuing music industry careers have been awarded a total of $60,000 in scholarships.

This year’s exceptional group of gifted scholarship recipients were selected based on academic performance, leadership skills, and a passionate commitment to the live entertainment industry. Recipients of this year’s awards include: Asad Whitehead, a Music Industry major at Monmouth University, who is creating his own live entertainment brand tailored to kids of color; Jade Proctor, a Theatre Technology major at Dillard University, who wishes to expand her horizons and bring her creative touch as a lighting designer to all forms of live entertainment; Logyn Rylander, a Commercial Music major and Business minor at Tennessee State University, with a dream of helping build a vibrant music scene in her hometown of Philadelphia to create more opportunities for her community; Hugo Obori, a Music Business major at New York University, who wants to help artists connect their art with their fans, primarily through festivals; Despues Green a Music major at Los Angeles Southwest College, who wishes to use his music as a powerful force for unity, transformation and for positive change in our world; Sayada Aklima Jannat, a Music Performance and Music Business double major at Winona State University, who is driven to create music that fosters community and empowers individuals to feel respected and valued; and Bailey Frerichs, a Music Industry major and Dance & Marketing double minor at Minnesota State University, Mankato, who strives to remain versatile and skilled in multiple different areas of live entertainment as she pursues her dream of supporting live music venues.

“We are proud to grant these scholarships to this group of aspiring young professionals looking to carve out a path for themselves within the live entertainment industry,” said Jordan Zachary, Co-President of US Concerts, Live Nation. “Through impactful programs like the Music Forward Scholarship, we continue our commitment to investing in and empowering the next generation of leaders in our industry,” added Omar Al-joulani, Co-President of US Concerts, Live Nation.

Asad Whitehead, 21, a rising senior at Monmouth University pursuing a Music Industry degree, is the recipient of the $10,000 Live Nation Scholarship. This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the five core areas of Live Nation’s business: concert promotion, venue operation, sponsorship, ticketing, and artist management.

Whitehead works as a radio talk show host, a music production intern, an event entertainment intern, a studio manager, and more, all while pursuing his degree. He hopes to combine his experience, his love for music, and his passion for advocacy work to help normalize Black representation in music and strengthen the next generation. He plans to do this by creating his own live entertainment brand that combines different creative art events and projects tailored for kids of color. 

“Winning the Live Nation Scholarship means everything to me.” said Whitehead, “It represents a transformative milestone in my musical journey that will open doors to new opportunities and shape my future in the music industry. To me, this scholarship is not just a financial award, but instead a recognition of my dedication, talent, and potential as an aspiring professional. It serves as validation of the countless hours I have poured into honing my craft, refining my skills, and pursuing my passion.”

Jade Proctor, a 20-year-old rising junior at Dillard University, is the recipient of the $10,000 Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship. This scholarship was established by Live Nation to support women pursuing careers in live entertainment. 

Proctor is making waves in the world of Theatre Technology with her exceptional dedication and unwavering passion. She has managed to maintain a flawless 4.0 GPA, while immersing herself in countless theatrical productions throughout her academic journey.

“Receiving this scholarship is an immense blessing to me that I cannot thank Music Forward enough.” said Proctor, “After years with family and financial issues, this is a rare light in the darkness that keeps me motivated to continue pursuing what’s best for me. I’ll be able to focus even more on completing my degree and preparing for future education.”

Logyn Rylander, a 21-year-old senior at Tennessee State University majoring in Commercial Music, is this year’s recipient of the $10,000 Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship. Live Nation established this scholarship to award students who are passionate about improving the live music experience for fans and artists. 

Rylander, a young musician and entrepreneur has played the saxophone for over 10 years, received a Student Leader Award from Leadership TSU, and was a selected representative for Aristocrat of Bands to attend the 2023 Grammy Awards. Rylander’s career goals focus around helping artists and artist teams with planning, creating, and facilitating brand partnerships. Her dream is to help build the music scene in her hometown of Philadelphia, creating opportunities and connections for her artistic community 

“Receiving this scholarship means absolutely everything to me. While being a full-time college student, I’m a restaurant host, a radio host, a saxophonist and bassoonist, an award show volunteer, and so much more.” said Rylander, “I’ve made it my mission to learn everything I can to reach my career dreams. This award says ‘We see you. We see your work and we want to invest in you.’ Receiving that encouragement from those who are where I want to be is a blessing.”

Hugo Obori is a 21-year-old rising senior at New York University and is the recipient of the $10,000 Governors Ball Scholarship. This scholarship supports students living in the five boroughs of New York City, pursuing a degree in live entertainment, with a focus in music.

Obori is a Dean’s List recipient who is fluent in four languages and has interned with Mercury East Presents and The Parr Method. His passion for festivals and large-scale operations is undeniable, driven by an unwavering desire to provide artists with a grand platform to showcase their extraordinary talents. Obori also has a burning ambition to make a difference by promoting Asian representation in American culture. By joining forces with festivals, he plans to champion Asian artists and showcase their incredible contributions to the American music scene.

“It is amazing to see that I have gotten the support of such great entities such as the Music Forward Foundation, Gov Ball, and Live Nation with this scholarship. They believe in me and my dreams.” said Obori,“It shows me that I am on the right path and motivates me to keep working hard to achieve those dreams.”

Despues Green, 24, is a rising junior at Los Angeles Southwest College, and this year’s $10,000 David E. Ballard Scholarship recipient funded by Inherit the Music. This scholarship supports students who have experienced homelessness and/or been part of the foster care system and are pursuing a career in live entertainment. 

Green is a Dean’s Honor List recipient who found a love of music from a young age. He has followed that passion and founded a record label and song management business that has overseen over 40 clients and accumulated over 300,000 streams in the past year alone.Green also became the President of the Los Angeles Southwest College Chapter of Hip Hop Congress and headed the Umoja program at his school, a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students.

“This scholarship means that I may be ever closer to the types of people I want to be surrounded by.” said Green, “It can feel unbelievable at times to believe that the way I express myself is appreciated in this time still.  I am a bit more optimistic that we intend to fight the proverbial Good Fight.”

Sayada Aklima Jannat, a 20-year-old rising junior at Winona State University, and Bailey Frerichs, a 21-year-old rising senior at Minnesota State University, Mankato are both recipients of a $5,000 Affinity Plus Scholarship, a dedicated award from Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, the marquee sponsor of a Live Nation venue, designated for local college students pursuing a career related to the music industry.

Jannat is an extraordinary vocalist, pouring her heart and soul into every note she sings. Music is not just therapy for her; it’s a bridge that brings people together, no matter what their differences. With an impressive 4.0 GPA and a spot on the Dean’s List, she knows how to hit all the right notes academically. But her true passion lies in the power of music. She believes in creating meaningful experiences, where the community can unite and feel connected through the magic of melodies.

“This scholarship means the world to me and makes a significant impact on my academic and personal goals.” said Jannat, “This scholarship not only provides me with financial aid but also serves as an inspiration and motivation to continue working hard toward my goals. It gives me a sense of responsibility to use my education to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. I will make sure to use this opportunity to its fullest and make the most out of it.”

Frerichs is a Dean’s List recipient whose passion for live music has driven her to gain experience in multiple different sectors including hospitality, marketing, and event coordination. Frerichs is determined to explore all sectors of the industry so she can be versatile and help support venues wherever they may need.

“Receiving the Affinity Plus Scholarship means more to me than I can truly give justice to with my words alone.” Frerichs continued, “Finding out I was the 2023 recipient of this scholarship showed me that the hard work and sacrifices I have made to start building credibility and a name for myself in the music industry are not happening without appreciation and notice from those around me. I truly would be nowhere without the financial support and opportunities like this that have been graciously gifted to me.”

Scholarship selections were made by an influential panel of executives and thought leaders across entertainment, civic, and corporate sectors. Reviewers included committed professionals from companies and organizations across the country including Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Concord, BMG, and Fundamental Music.

“College costs keep rising, so it’s vital that we provide financial support to our students, empowering them to transform their passions for music into lifelong careers,” expressed Nurit Siegel Smith, the Executive Director of the Music Forward Foundation. “We are thrilled to continue to join forces with our partners to sustain educational endeavors, ignite career aspirations, and propel our 2023 scholarship recipients towards successful futures.”

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com.

About Music Forward Foundation

Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. Music Forward bridges our communities to the music industry, empowers ambition, and creates momentum to redefine what is possible for the youth and industry we serve. Learn more at https://musicforwardfoundation.org/

# # #

Contact:

Adrian Flores
Marketing Director, Music Forward Foundation 
Adrian@musicforwardfoundation.org 
(424) 429-5760

(LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 14, 2023) – Music Forward Foundation, in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, today launched its 2023 scholarship application period. Students pursuing careers in the music and live entertainment industry can apply for college scholarships February 14 through March 31, 2023. New this year is the announcement of the Governors Ball scholarship.

Five $10,000 scholarships and two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding college students—in either their junior or senior year—majoring in music, music business, production, and/or related fields at an accredited college or university in the U.S.

Music Forward partners with Live Nation to offer these unique scholarships to support the future of the live entertainment business. This opportunity is specifically designed to support students interested in the core aspects of the concert business, including concert promotion, venue operation, ticketing, sponsorship, hospitality, and artist management.

Community outreach and recruitment for all Music Forward programs, including scholarships, creates equity by removing barriers and increasing access and opportunity for BIPOC youth, young women, and under-resourced communities. This focus aligns with our goal to contribute to a more equitable industry and just society. Student applications must be submitted online by March 31, 2023, at http://musicforwardfoundation.org/scholarships.

Scholarship recipient selections will be made by a panel of industry executives and thought leaders across academic, entertainment, civic, and corporate sectors. Criteria for selection include academic achievement, essay responses, and recommendations. Scholarships will be announced in June 2023, and awards will be given for the Fall 2023 semester.

The seven scholarships will be awarded to students nationwide in the following areas:

Governors Ball Scholarship: Established to support students native to the five boroughs of New York City, with preference to Queens, pursuing a degree in live entertainment, with a focus on music. The $10,000 scholarship will help further the student’s career pathway in performance, live production, music engineering, music business, and related fields of study.

Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship: Established in memory of a Live Nation employee who went above and beyond to improve the concert experience for fans, artists, and staff, this $10,000 scholarship is designed to support the ever-growing customer service expectations within the live entertainment industry.

Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship: Established in memory of one of Live Nation’s first female concert production specialists, this $10,000 scholarship is designed to support women pursuing a career in live entertainment.

Live Nation Scholarship: Established to support students interested in the core areas of Live Nation’s business, this $10,000 scholarship is designed to support students focused on concert promotion, venue operation, sponsorship, ticketing, and artist management.

David E. Ballard Scholarship: Established in 2019 in memory of David E. Ballard in partnership with Inherit the Music, this $10,000 scholarship supports youth who have experienced homelessness and/or been part of the foster care system and are pursuing a career in live entertainment. 

Affinity Plus Scholarship: Established in partnership with the Affinity Plus Foundation, the marquee sponsor of a Live Nation venue, two $5,000 scholarships will support local students or Affinity Plus members pursuing a career related to the music industry. 

“We are always looking for ways to drive positive change within the music industry and diversify our talent pipeline,” said Johnel Evans, Global Head of Diversity, Live Nation. “There are vast opportunities and career paths in music and live entertainment, and our scholarships, in partnership with Music Forward, are aimed at showcasing and opening up those possibilities to a diverse set of emerging professionals.”

“Music Forward helps break the barriers brought on by gender, poverty, and race to facilitate the ability to enter the music and live entertainment industry,” said Nurit Smith, Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation. “Scholarships remain a pillar of our programming as we strive to create a pathway for diverse individuals who may not otherwise be afforded the opportunity to pursue their dream careers.”

For more information on additional scholarships offered by Music Forward Foundation, please visit: https://musicforwardfoundation.org/programs/scholarships/. 

# # #

About Music Forward Foundation

Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. Music Forward bridges our communities to the music industry, empowers ambition, and creates momentum to redefine what is possible for the youth and industry we serve. Music Forward invites everyone to play a part in moving culture forward; join the movement by following @MusicForward, and learn more at www.musicforwardfoundation.org.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com

(LOS ANGELES –July 21, 2022) — Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, in partnership with the nonprofit Music Forward Foundation, today announced the recipients of its 2022 scholarship awards. Six outstanding college students pursuing music industry careers have been awarded a total of $50,000 in scholarships.

This year’s diverse group of gifted scholarship recipients were selected based on academic performance, leadership skills, and a passionate commitment to the entertainment industry. Recipients of this year’s awards include Liana Stern, a student at University of Miami, who is a Public Relations major with a minor in Music Business and Entertainment Industries, with dreams to bring communities together through live music; Nancy Rico-Mineros, a Music Technology major and Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology minor at New York University, with hopes of becoming an audio engineer; Heather Howard, a Recording Industry, Music Business major and Business Administration minor at Middle Tennessee State University, who is a driven and passionate emerging music industry professional; Beau McLeod, a Music Technology major and Business minor at MiraCosta College, who hopes to share his positive message as an electronic music producer; Colin Clark-Bracewell, a Marketing and Vocal Performance major at University of Minnesota Twin Cities, an emerging singer-songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist; and Maia Pivec a Music Industry major at Minnesota State University Mankato, who brings worlds to life through music.

“Live Nation continues to be committed to supporting the next generation of live through our unique scholarship program,” said Jackie Beato, chief operating officer, Live Nation Concerts. “We are dedicated to breaking barriers of entry to the industry and empowering the future of music and live entertainment.” 

Heather Howard, a 21-year-old rising senior at Middle Tennessee State University majoring in Recording Industry Music Business with a minor in Business Administration, is this year’s recipient of the $10,000 Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship. Live Nation established this scholarship to award students who are passionate about improving the live music experience for fans and artists.

Howard, is a Dean’s Scholar who has interned with Collective Artist Management, volunteered at Warner Music Nashville, and was a campus ambassador for GrammyU. Her primary career goal is to be able to foster positive change within the industry for generations of professionals, artists, and fans to come.

“By receiving this scholarship, I am able to pay for my senior year in full and my family does not have to carry the burden of trying to figure out how to support me through my final two semesters of my undergraduate degree,” said Howard, “This means the world to me as I have spent the last 3 years studying hard, working hard, and putting my best foot forward so that I could thrive and be successful in my educational career. This scholarship allows me to focus on my education and leave the worries behind.”

The $10,000 Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship was established by Live Nation to support women pursuing careers in live entertainment. This year’s recipient is Nancy Rico-Mineros, a 22-year-old rising senior at New York University. Mineros, a Music Technology major with a minor in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology, has served as Engineering Director as well as Head Studio Monitor on campus at NYU.  She has also interned at James L. Dolan Recording Studio, and was a campus representative for She is the Music.  

“Following the death of my mom back in 2020, my future in the music industry seemed uncertain,” said Mineros, “Receiving this scholarship affirms that I am on the right path and that there are people who are willing to support me.”

Liana Stern, 20, a rising junior at University of Miami pursuing a Public Relations degree with a minor in Music Business and Entertainment Industries, is the recipient of the 2022 $10,000 Live Nation Scholarship. This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the five core areas of Live Nation’s business: concert and venue promotion, sponsorship and advertising, ticketing, and artist management. 

Stern has maintained a 3.8 GPA while also furthering her learning with a number of extracurricular jobs at University of Miami. This included serving as Social Media Creator and Planner at Femme it Forward, as an organization leader at Room to Grow, and as an event organizer with Cat 5 Music. She is also excited to be interning in both the video production and Black music marketing departments at Atlantic Records this summer. Stern hopes to one day bring free live music to underserved or remote communities as music has the power to uplift and unite people.

“College debt can be a career hindrance, so receiving this scholarship means that I can focus on developing myself into an industry professional without the added financial stress. Having one less loan to repay, will give me more freedom and independence post-graduation,” said Stern, “To be selected for this scholarship out of thousands of applicants means that all the hard work and time I have dedicated to pursuing my career has paid off!”

Beau McLeod, 30, a rising junior at MiraCosta College, is the recipient of the $10,000 David E. Ballard Scholarship funded by the Living Legacy Foundation. This scholarship supports students who have experienced homelessness and/or been part of the foster care system and are pursuing a career in live entertainment.

McLeod has overcome numerous obstacles including homelessness and addiction to reach his goal of becoming a working electronic music producer and playing festivals around the world. He has had the opportunity to work with top electronic music producers and wants to use music to spread a positive message in hopes of helping young people avoid abusing substances, strive towards sobriety and healthy living.

“I have been unemployed the last year due to COVID, and am facing further financial burdens this next year,” said McLeod, “Receiving this scholarship was a miracle in assisting me in continuing my education and path as an artist.“

Colin Clark-Bracewell, a 21-year-old rising senior at University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and Maia Pivec, a 25-year-old senior at Minnesota State University Mankato are each a recipient of the $5,000 Affinity Plus Scholarship, a dedicated award from Minnesota-based Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, the marquee sponsor of Live Nation’s Fillmore Minneapolis venue, designated for Minnesota college students pursuing a career related to the music industry.

Bracewell is a passionate student studying marketing & vocal performance. This Canada native settled in Minnesota at a young age and has been performing since the age of four. In the Fall of 2021, Bracewell received the opportunity to study abroad in Austria at the Vienna School of Economics and Business, where he studied the intricacies of international marketing and business. As a performing music artist Bracewell has also coordinated and produced over 200 live events and accrued 40,000 listens on Spotify.

“I’m excited to receive the Affinity Plus Scholarship since it will allow me to continue growing and pursuing my dream of a career in music,” said Bracewell, “A lot of my time and money has to be dedicated to my music career, and the Affinity Plus Scholarship makes this possible. I hope to eventually give back and support the communities that have helped me along the way.”

Pivec maintains a 3.84 GPA and plans to create music for video games. She wishes to help create atmosphere and life in these virtual worlds to help immerse players. She understands that she has to work especially hard to be seen, noticed, and heard in the male-dominated industry and hopes that her work will help inspire women in her field and highlight social issues such as mental health and identity acceptance. 

“I cannot afford college and therefore rely on loans, grants, and scholarships to be able to sustain my education,” Pivec continued, ”Receiving this scholarship not only means that I will be able to continue learning about what I love – music – but it also shows me that there are people and organizations who love music as much as I do and are willing to support others to continue to benefit such an important industry.”

Scholarship selections were made by an influential panel of executives and thought leaders across entertainment, civic, and corporate sectors. Reviewers included committed professionals from companies and organizations across the country including Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Primary Wave, BMG, C3 Presents, Eighth and Groove, Spotify, and Microsoft.

“With college costs continuing to rise, it is increasingly important that we offer this critical financial support for our scholars to turn their passions into life-long professions,” said Nurit Siegel Smith, executive director of the Music Forward Foundation. “With our partners, we are honored to help sustain education, inspire careers, and springboard our 2022 scholarships winners to pathways of success.”

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com.

About Music Forward Foundation

Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. Music Forward bridges our communities to the music industry, empowers ambition, and creates momentum to redefine what is possible for the youth and industry we serve. Music Forward invites everyone to play a part in moving culture forward; join the movement by following @MusicForward and learn more at musicforwardfoundation.org. 

About Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 28 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by more than 200,000 members. Affinity Plus has over $2 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.

# # #

(LOS ANGELES – JANUARY 20, 2021) – The Music Forward Foundation, in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, today announced its 2022 application period. Students pursuing music industry careers can apply for the college scholarship program January 17 through March 31, 2022. 

Three $10,000 scholarships and two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding college students—in either their junior or senior year—majoring in music business and/or related fields at an accredited college or university in the U.S. 

Music Forward partners with Live Nation to offer these unique scholarships to support the future of the live entertainment business. This opportunity is specifically designed to support students interested in the core aspects of the concert business, including concert promotion, venue operation, ticketing, sponsorship, e-commerce and artist management. 

Community outreach and recruitment for all Music Forward programs, including scholarships, create equity by removing barriers and increasing access and opportunity for BIPOC youth, young women, and under-resourced communities. This focus aligns with our goal to contribute to a more equitable industry and just society. Student applications must be submitted online by March 31, 2022, at http://musicforwardfoundation.org/scholarships. 

Scholarship recipient selections will be made by a panel of music industry executives and thought leaders across academic, entertainment, civic and corporate sectors. Criteria for selection include academic achievement, essay responses and recommendations. Scholarships will be announced in June 2022, and awards will be given for the fall 2022 semester. 

The five scholarships will be awarded to students nationwide in the following areas: 

Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship: Established in memory of a Live Nation employee who went above and beyond to improve the concert experience for fans, artists and staff, this scholarship is designed to support the ever-growing customer service expectations within the live entertainment industry. 

Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship: Established in memory of one of Live Nation’s first female concert production specialists, this scholarship is designed to support women pursuing a career in live entertainment. 

Live Nation Scholarship: Established to support students interested in the core areas of Live Nation’s business: concert promotion, venue operation, sponsorship, ticketing and artist management. 

Affinity Plus Scholarship: Established in partnership with the Affinity Plus Foundation, the marquee sponsor of a Live Nation venue, two $5,000 scholarships will support local students or Affinity Plus members pursuing a career related to the music industry. Field of study may include but is not limited to live event operations, production, music engineering, music business management, music education, customer service, hospitality and/or other related fields. 

“We are actively looking for ways we can diversify our talent pipeline and expand opportunities for youth who are interested in live music,” said Johnel Evans, Global Head of Diversity, Live Nation. “These scholarships are just one way we can introduce live music as a career path and our partnership with Music Forward supports the power and potential of the next generation of leaders.” 

“Music Forward helps break the barriers of gender, poverty, and race to enter the music industry,” said Nurit Smith, executive director of Music Forward Foundation. “We are proud to offer these unique opportunities to inspire ambition and create momentum for young people pursuing industry careers.” 

For more information on additional scholarships offered by Music Forward Foundation, please visit: https://musicforwardfoundation.org/programs/scholarships/. 

# # # 

About Music Forward Foundation 

Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. Music Forward bridges our communities to the music industry, empowers ambition, and creates momentum to redefine what is possible for the youth and industry we serve. Music Forward invites everyone to play a part in moving culture forward; join the movement by following @MusicForward, and learn more at www.musicforwardfoundation.org. 

About Live Nation Entertainment 

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com

(LOS ANGELES – July 7, 2021) —Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, in partnership with the nonprofit Music Forward Foundation, today announced the recipients of its 2021 scholarship awards. Five outstanding college students pursuing music industry careers have been awarded a total of $45,000 in scholarships.

This year’s diverse group of gifted scholarship recipients were selected based on academic performance, leadership skills and a passionate commitment to the live entertainment experience. Recipients of this year’s awards include Holly Grace Jamili, a student at New York University, who is a Recorded Music major with a minor in Entertainment, Media, & Technology and a focus on elevating live music experiences through technological innovation; Tandrea Hawkins, a Music Business major and Hip Hop studies minor at Columbia College Chicago, a self-managed rapper who also runs a platform for underground college artists to showcase their artistry; Jalen Holloway, an Arts Leadership and Administration major and Music minor at Queens University of Charlotte, a veteran and multi-instrumentalist who has made dean’s list every semester of his college career; Kayla Erhardt, a Music Business major and Marketing minor at Berklee College of Music, who is finding recent success with her original music placed in television network shows; and Will Keebler, a Minnesota State University-Mankato junior, with a passion for live entertainment who leads outdoor live music events on campus.

“Live Nation is committed to supporting the future of live entertainment through our unique scholarship program,” said Mark Campana, chief operating officer, Live Nation Concerts. “We are dedicated to amplifying voices and providing opportunities for the next generation as we return to live and beyond.”

Holly Grace Jamili, a 20-year-old junior at New York University majoring in Recorded Music with a minor in Entertainment, Media, & Technology, is this year’s recipient of the $10,000 Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship. The scholarship was established to award students who are passionate about improving the live music experience for fans and artists.

Jamili, from Los Angeles, California, is a Tisch School of the Arts Dean’s Scholar and has served as marketing chair for the NYU Program Board. While pursuing her Recorded Music degree, she has held entertainment internship positions at Paradigm Talent Agency, The Orchard, ViacomCBS and is currently a Touring & Events intern at Columbia Records. Her course work and internship experience are focused on the metaverse and the use of technology to connect fans and artists leading to new immersive experiences for the live music customer.

“This scholarship is a representation of the support I have received from family, friends, advisors, teachers, and every colleague I have met at my internships that have helped me come this far academically and professionally,” said Jamili. “The Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship reassures me that I have the potential to leave an impact on the future of the music industry.”

The $10,000 Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship was established by Live Nation to support women pursuing careers in live entertainment. This year’s recipient is Chicago, Illinois native Tandrea Hawkins, a 20-year old senior at Columbia College Chicago and talented independent artist. Hawkins, a Music Business major with a concentration in Artist Management and a minor in Hip Hop Studies, maintains a 3.9 GPA. She has held Artist Relations and Social Media internship positions with Music Forward Foundation and Chicago’s WVON and has also performed on the Citi See Her, Hear Her stage at Governor’s Ball in 2019.

A first generation college student, Hawkins has been producing live events highlighting young artists since she was in high-school and in 2020 she co-founded Fusion of Light Entertainment, a platform for college students, by college students dedicated to showcasing underground young artists in Chicago.

“Receiving this scholarship lets me know that there are people who believe in me and my plans for the music industry,” said Hawkins. “It means that I have more of a responsibility to continue doing my very best in executing my vision, and I cannot wait to see what I am able to make of it!”

Jalen Holloway, 21, a junior at Queens University of Charlotte pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Leadership and Administration, is the recipient of the 2021 $10,000 Live Nation Scholarship. This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the five core areas of Live Nation’s business: concert and venue promotion, sponsorship and advertising, ticketing, e-commerce, and artist management.

Holloway, from Summerville, South Carolina, has a 3.8 GPA. He is a multi-instrumentalist playing guitar and violin and has been a first chair violinist on multiple occasions. While a student at Queens University of Charlotte, Holloway has also served as a member of the United States Army Reserves and as President of the Alpha Tau Omega Colony fraternity. He has received enthusiastic praise from his professors for being meticulous, versatile, and an encouraging team player.

“This scholarship means everything to me,” said Holloway. “It will greatly assist me by alleviating financial burden, allowing me to focus on aligning my passion, knowledge, and understanding of music to elevate me into my future career.”

Kayla Erhardt, a Music Business major and Marketing minor at Berklee College of Music, is the recipient of the $10,000 David E. Ballard Scholarship funded by the Living Legacy Foundation. This scholarship supports youth who have experienced homelessness and/or been part of the foster care system and are pursuing a career in live entertainment.

Erhardt, from Las Vegas, Nevada, while working toward her Bachelor of Music, has been a participant of the inaugural cohort of Diversify the Stage, a 2019 scholarship recipient of VocalizeU, and is active as a Mental Health and Wellness Peer Educator on the Berklee campus. The 20-year-old sophomore, has received accolades from her professors for her strong drive to overcome adversity, love for learning, and innate artistic ability. As a talented songwriter and performer, Erhardt has had original music placed in two Warner Bros. television shows.

“My entire life I had believed that I couldn’t pursue certain goals or have the same opportunities as others due to a lack of financial support and home stability,” said Erhardt. “Receiving this scholarship has changed my perspective in the overall pursuit of my goals. I hope that others who feel that they are in the same position as I once was, are able to look at my accomplishment as something they are capable of achieving as well.”

Will Keebler, a 21-year-old junior at Minnesota State University- Mankato, is the recipient of the $5,000 Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Scholarship, a dedicated award from Minnesota-based Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, which is designated for a Minnesota college student pursuing a career related to the music industry.

Keebler, from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, is a Music Industry major and Communications minor with a 3.85 GPA. Keebler has been elected twice as the Concert Company Chair for the MNSU Student Events Team programming board. In this position, he has led the planning and production of several live music events on campus including outdoor concerts and the annual homecoming concert which allowed him to work with professionals in the industry and gain hands-on experience in live event production while still in school. Keebler also serves as the President of the MavHouse Records student group, a recognized student organization that serves the Music Industry department by working with students to create, release, and promote their music.

“This scholarship reaffirms my decision to pursue an education and career in the music industry,” said Keebler. “Going into a career in music often comes with uncertainty but being selected for this scholarship boosts my confidence that I am on the right path towards a successful music industry career.

Scholarship selections were made by an influential panel of executives and thought leaders across entertainment, civic and corporate sectors. Reviewers included leading experts from companies and organizations across the country including Live Nation, Epidemic Sound, Jenex Entertainment, City National Bank, Discover Financial Systems, Microsoft, EPAM Systems, Inc. and the American Heart Association.

“We are proud to recognize this year’s esteemed scholarship award recipients and support their career journeys in the music industry,” said Nurit Siegel Smith, executive director of the Music Forward Foundation. “Together, with our partners, we aim to transform young lives by breaking barriers of gender, poverty, and race into the industry and bridge them to pathways of success.”

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorships. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com.

About Music Forward Foundation

Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. Music Forward bridges our communities to the music industry, empowers ambition, and creates momentum to redefine what is possible for the youth and industry we serve. Music Forward invites everyone to play a part in moving culture forward; join the movement by following @MusicForward and learn more at musicforwardfoundation.org.

About Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 28 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by more than 200,000 members. Affinity Plus has over $2 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.

(LOS ANGELES – JANUARY 11, 2021) – The Music Forward Foundation, in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, the Living Legacy Foundation, and Affinity Plus Credit Union, today announced its 2021 application period. Students pursuing music industry careers can apply for the college scholarship program January 11 through March 31, 2021.

A total of four $10,000 scholarships and one $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to outstanding college students—in either their junior or senior year—majoring in music business and/or related fields at an accredited college or university in the U.S.

Music Forward has partnered with Live Nation, the Living Legacy Foundation, and Affinity Plus Credit Union to offer these unique scholarships to support the future of the live entertainment business. This opportunity is specifically designed to support students interested in the core aspects of the concert business, including concert promotion, venue operation, ticketing, sponsorship, e-commerce and artist management.

Student applications must be submitted online by March 31, 2021, at www.musicforwardfoundation.org/scholarships.

Scholarship recipient selections will be made by a panel of music industry executives and thought leaders across academic, entertainment, civic and corporate sectors. Criteria for selection include academic achievement, essay responses and recommendations. Scholarships will be announced in June 2021, and awards will be given for the fall 2021 semester.

The five scholarships will be awarded to students nationwide in the following areas:

Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship: Established in memory of a Live Nation employee who went above and beyond to improve the concert experience for fans, artists and staff, this scholarship is designed to support the ever-growing customer service expectations within the live entertainment industry.

Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship: Established in memory of one of Live Nation’s first female concert production specialists, this scholarship is designed to support women pursuing a career in live entertainment.

Live Nation Scholarship: Established to support students interested in the core areas of Live Nation’s business: concert promotion, venue operation, sponsorship, ticketing, e-commerce and artist management.

David E. Ballard Scholarship: Established in 2019 in memory of David E. Ballard with the support of the Living Legacy Foundation, this scholarship supports youth who have experienced homelessness and/or been part of the foster care system and are pursuing a career in live entertainment.

Affinity Plus Scholarship: Established in partnership with the Affinity Plus Foundation, a $5,000 scholarship will support Minnesota students or Affinity Plus members studying out-of-state pursuing a career related to the music industry. Field of study may include but is not limited to live event operations, production, music engineering, music business management, music education, customer service, hospitality and/or other related fields.

“Live Nation remains committed to the future of the music industry” said Mark Campana, Chief Operating Officer, Live Nation. “Our partnership with Music Forward supports the next generation of industry leaders and innovators through this scholarship opportunity that we are proud to provide.”

“Music Forward is focused on removing barriers for young people to enter careers in the music industry”, said Nurit Smith, executive director of Music Forward Foundation. “These scholarships with our partners support our work of creating access and opportunity to champion a diverse and inclusive industry, ensuring its vitality and evolution.”

# # #

About Music Forward Foundation
Music Forward transforms young lives, inspires careers, and champions a more inclusive music industry. Music Forward bridges our communities to the music industry, empowers ambition, and creates momentum to redefine what is possible for the youth and industry we serve. Music Forward invites everyone to play a part in moving culture forward; join the movement by following @HOBMusicForward, and learn more at www.musicforwardfoundation.org.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com

(LOS ANGELES – July 7, 2020) — Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, in partnership with the nonprofit Music Forward Foundation, today announced the recipients of its 2020 scholarship programs. Five outstanding college students pursuing music industry careers will be awarded a total of $45,000 in scholarships.

For the first time, the scholarships include a dedicated award from Minnesota-based Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, which is designated for a Minnesota college student pursuing a career related to hospitality and music industries. Additionally, this is the second year that Living Legacy Foundation has supported an award to assist youth who have experienced homelessness and/or been part of the foster care system and are pursuing a career in live entertainment.

This year’s diverse group of gifted scholarship recipients were selected based on academic performance, leadership skills and a passionate commitment to the live entertainment experience. Recipients of this year’s awards include Sterlyn Termine, a first generation college student at Howard University, who is a Music Theory and Composition Major with a Minor in Saxophone; Ania Holland, a Recorded Music Major at NYU, interning at Atlantic Records; Sean Madden, a Marketing major and New Media Minor at University of Louisville, with innovative ideas about live event customer service; Emma Martin, a Music Business major at Belmont University, who turned her love of playing the viola into an interest in a music business career, and Rebecca Berth, a Minnesota State University Moorhead junior, who has been active in live event and television production.

“Live Nation is committed to investing in the next generation of diverse music industry leaders through our distinct scholarship program that supports students pursuing live entertainment careers,” said Mark Campana, chief operating officer, Live Nation U.S. Concerts. “We are dedicated to ongoing action to making a difference and proudly support this year’s esteemed awardees as part of our collective strategy to amplify diversity and inclusion in the industry.”

Ania Holland, a Recorded Music Major at Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music/NYU, is the recipient of the $10,000 David E. Ballard Scholarship funded by the Living Legacy Foundation. This scholarship supports youth who have experienced homelessness and/or been part of the foster care system and are interested in pursuing a career in live entertainment.

Holland, from Camden, New Jersey, while working toward her Bachelor of Fine Arts, has been an intern at Atlantic Records, a brand ambassador for Live Nation and an active participant in several school organizations.  The 20-year-old sophomore, has received accolades from her professors for her ambition, curiosity and fearlessness in approaching her work.

“Being a recipient of the David E. Ballard Scholarship is an honor. It feels good to know that there are people who believe in me and my vision,” said Holland. “I want to aid in the creation of a music industry that is inclusive of Black women in positions of power and leverage. I wish to evoke change, help create visibility, generate equity, and build a network of incredible Black women…to show the next generation of young Black girls who want to work in the music industry that they can, because someone that looks like them is so they can too.”

The $10,000 Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship was established by Live Nation to support women pursuing careers in live entertainment. (According to a study conducted by USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, just 2.6% of music producers in the U.S. are women). This year’s recipient is Westfield, Massachusetts native Sterlyn Termine, a 20-year old Junior at Howard University acclaimed by her professors as a talented musician and tireless worker with exceptional attention to detail.  A Music Theory and Composition Major with a Minor in Saxophone, Termine maintains a 3.93 GPA.   She plays saxophone, keyboards and bass and has performed, arranged and composed in several university music ensembles. She is also the treasurer of the Howard University Fine Arts Council.

A first generation college student, Termine founded BlackGirlMusic, a digital platform and networking organization dedicated to elevating Black women in the music industry.

“This scholarship gives me hope that I can transcend my own limits as well as push the limits within the music industry,” said Termine. “It means to me that my dreams are valuable and impactful enough that others believe in it too.”

Sean Madden, a 20-year-old Junior at the University of Louisville majoring in Marketing and minoring in Music and New Media, is this year’s recipient of the $10,000 Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship. The scholarship was established to support the ever-growing customer service expectations of fans, artists and employees within the live entertainment industry.

Madden, from Cincinnati Ohio, has a 3.38 GPA.  He is chair of the Student Activities Board Concert Committee at Louisville and has also been celebrated for his professionalism by both faculty advisors and local promoters.  Through his experience working in premium seat sales at the Mercury Ballroom and Louisville Palace, he has formulated innovative ideas to improve customer service.

“Receiving this scholarship means the world to me,” said Madden. “As someone who has worked inside Live Nation venues while in college, it is great to see the company I love give back to students trying to find their place in the industry.”

Emma Martin, 21, a junior at Belmont University pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, Music Business, is the recipient of the 2019 $10,000 Live Nation U.S. Concerts Scholarship. This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the five core areas of Live Nation’s business: concert and venue promotion, sponsorship and advertising, ticketing, e-commerce, and artist management.

Martin, from Norcross, Georgia, has a 3.3 GPA.  She began playing the viola at age nine and was in orchestra class from fourth grade until her junior year of college.  She turned her interest in performing into a pursuit of a career in the music business.   At Belmont, Martin has been a Writer’s Night Producer and Council Member of the Belmont Showcase Series and has participated in CMA edu, Grammy U, Belmont University Copyright Society and Women in Entertainment.  She interned at Olivia Management in Nashville, where her hard work, passion and intelligence were praised by her colleagues.

“I believe that music brings us together and I want to create spaces where people feel connected with each other,” said Martin. “As a woman entering this industry, I also want to promote inclusivity and diversity, to ensure that future leaders continue to be represented.”

Rebecca Berth, a 21-year-old Junior at Minnesota State University Moorhead, is the recipient of the $5,000 Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Scholarship, awarded to a Minnesota college student in conjunction with the St. Paul-based company.  Berth, from Oconto, Wisconsin, is an Entertainment Industry and Technology Major and an Entertainment Business, Sports Communication and Emphasis Audio Technology minor with a 3.64 GPA.  Berth has worked with the Go! Team Productions/Dragons Live, which broadcasts every university home sporting event online and is a leadership chair for SoEIT Productions, the on-campus production student organization.   In addition, she is also a student-athlete, pitching for the softball team.  Her professors extol her work ethic and skills.

“This scholarship gives me confidence that what I have been working for is worthwhile and professionals in the industry see potential in me,” said Berth. “I believe that women in the entertainment industry bring unique values…and I envision myself spreading the female perspective to be a voice for other women.”

Scholarship selections were made by an influential panel of executives and thought leaders across entertainment, civic and corporate sectors. Reviewers included leading experts from companies and organizations across the country including Live Nation, Ticketmaster, SAG-AFTRA, Paul Hastings LLP, Union Bank, Emerson Bran Management, Crush Music, OAKSway Entertainment LLC, Friedman Entertainment Advisors and the American Heart Association.

“We are proud to support the next generation of industry leaders by recognizing our exemplary 2020 scholarship award recipients,” said Nurit Siegel Smith, executive director of the Music Forward Foundation. “These students represent the diverse perspectives and voices that will lead the future of music and innovation in entertainment.”

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com.

About Music Forward Foundation

Music Forward Foundation transforms lives, inspires careers and champions a more inclusive music industry. Focused on youth from underserved communities, Music Forward provides artist development and music industry career programs and sets the stage for success by providing workshops, panels, showcases, internships, and scholarships to inspire the next generation of diverse industry leaders, artists, and innovators. Learn more at musicforwardfoundation.org.

About Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 28 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by more than 200,000 members. Affinity Plus has over $2 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.