Live Nation Awards Scholarships to Empower Students Pursuing Careers in Music Industry

In partnership with House of Blues Music Forward Foundation, Live Nation, the world's leading live entertainment company, is awarding $30,000 in scholarships among three outstanding recipients pursuing careers in the music industry. Established in 2016, this scholarship program is just one of Live Nation's many efforts to support the future of the live entertainment business and is one of the few scholarships 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.

"Live Nation is uniquely positioned to help the next generation of music industry leaders build their foundation and follow their dreams," said Mark Campana, Chief Operating Officer, Live Nation US Concerts. "Music Forward has helped us connect with hundreds of distinguished candidates, and I couldn't be more proud of this philanthropic program."

Scholarship selections were made by an influential panel of Live Nation executives and thought leaders across academic, entertainment, civic and corporate sectors. Reviewers included leading experts from companies and organizations across the country including SAG-AFTRA, Loeb & Loeb LLP, Emerson Bran Management, New Orleans Media and Arts Institute, Big Thought, Clark County School District and more.

The diverse group of scholarship recipients selected this year have distinguished themselves through academic performance, leadership skills, and passionate commitment to the live entertainment experience, and include a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who is also a published author; a student of the Berklee College of Music who founded the school's Women in Action group; and a native of New York City responsible for launching a think tank for young pioneers in Brooklyn's electronic music scene. Each recipient is receiving a scholarship of $10,000 to put towards their tuition and education costs.

"With over 200 applicants to our scholarship program this year, our evaluation panel had their work cut out for them," said Nurit Siegel Smith, Executive Director, House of Blues Music Forward Foundation. "Ultimately, our three recipients were selected based on their unique abilities and inspiring passion for live events, and we can't wait to follow along in their studies and careers."

Andrae Alexander, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a Senior at California State University, Northridge is this year's recipient of the 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. Andrae possesses an impressive and dedicated approach when supporting clients, making him a natural at customer service. He embodies this passion for service and also aspires to implement change in the industry by incorporating social impact programs into live music experiences.

Clara Maurer, a Senior at Berklee College of Music in Boston is the recipient of this year's Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship, established in memory of one of Live Nation's first female concert production specialists. Wanting to inspire fellow women to innovate and drive change within the music industry, Clara founded the Berklee Women in Action Club bringing together female musicians and artists to network, explore career paths, and challenge the status quo.

Sammie Jo Concilio, a Junior at Eugene Lang College at The New School in NYC is this year's recipient of the Live Nation US Concerts 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. Influenced by her upbringing in the NYC music scene, Sammie Jo's experience in concert production inspired her to found a dance club, H0L0, serving as a collaborative hub for many young pioneers of the electronic music scene in Brooklyn.

After another successful year, Live Nation and Music Forward will continue to support talented and driven students as scholarship applications reopen in Fall 2018. Visit Music Forward's website to learn more about the recipients, see their photos, and read a few words about their drive and aspirations.

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