To introduce high school and college students to potential careers in the live music industry, AEG and Goldenvoice organized two AEG Futures career exploration events. These were scheduled alongside Goldenvoice’s well-known music festivals, Just Like Heaven and Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival.
The Just Like Heaven event was held on May 8 and featured speeches from Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, City Council Member Tyron Hampton, and Jens Weiden, CEO of the Rose Bowl Operating Company. The Head in the Clouds session took place on May 14, with opening remarks delivered by Terry Park of The Asian American Foundation, alongside Jens Weiden.
At both events, students were offered exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at Brookside at the Rose Bowl. These tours highlighted the many components involved in organizing a major music festival — from stage and sound production to layout design, food and beverage services, merchandise, and sustainability efforts.
Students also took part in speed mentoring sessions, where they engaged directly with professionals such as Rachel So, Festival Operations Manager at Goldenvoice, and Chavante “Tae” Flakes, a Talent Buyer at Goldenvoice. These conversations allowed students to ask questions, learn about career journeys, and gain valuable insights and inspiration for their own futures.
As a culminating activity, participants tackled the "Build Your Own Festival" challenge. Using the knowledge they had gained, students conceptualized and pitched their own music festival ideas to a panel of Goldenvoice executives.
“These AEG Futures events provide students with a unique and immersive way to explore careers in live entertainment,” said Michael Ilves, Senior Director of Festivals at Goldenvoice. “By giving them access to real-world experiences and industry professionals, we help students develop practical skills and a clearer sense of direction for their future. Early exposure like this is vital for building confidence and making well-informed decisions about life after graduation.”
Both events reflect AEG’s dedication to nurturing the future talent of the live events industry.
Click here to know more about AEG Futures.
The Just Like Heaven event was held on May 8 and featured speeches from Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, City Council Member Tyron Hampton, and Jens Weiden, CEO of the Rose Bowl Operating Company. The Head in the Clouds session took place on May 14, with opening remarks delivered by Terry Park of The Asian American Foundation, alongside Jens Weiden.
At both events, students were offered exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at Brookside at the Rose Bowl. These tours highlighted the many components involved in organizing a major music festival — from stage and sound production to layout design, food and beverage services, merchandise, and sustainability efforts.
Students also took part in speed mentoring sessions, where they engaged directly with professionals such as Rachel So, Festival Operations Manager at Goldenvoice, and Chavante “Tae” Flakes, a Talent Buyer at Goldenvoice. These conversations allowed students to ask questions, learn about career journeys, and gain valuable insights and inspiration for their own futures.
As a culminating activity, participants tackled the "Build Your Own Festival" challenge. Using the knowledge they had gained, students conceptualized and pitched their own music festival ideas to a panel of Goldenvoice executives.
“These AEG Futures events provide students with a unique and immersive way to explore careers in live entertainment,” said Michael Ilves, Senior Director of Festivals at Goldenvoice. “By giving them access to real-world experiences and industry professionals, we help students develop practical skills and a clearer sense of direction for their future. Early exposure like this is vital for building confidence and making well-informed decisions about life after graduation.”
Both events reflect AEG’s dedication to nurturing the future talent of the live events industry.
Click here to know more about AEG Futures.