Solshine-U 2024 — Festival University

solshine University 2024

weekend Highlights

SolShine University is an exclusive music education program created in collaboration with Bradley University and Western Illinois University. Tailored for students interested in exploring the multifaceted world of music festivals, SolShine-U offers a deep dive into all aspects of concert and festival production. Through hands-on experiences, participants engage directly with artists, managers, promoters, agents, and other industry professionals to gain practical knowledge and insight into the music business.

Festival University, Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment, Jeff McClusky & Associates, along with Professors Philip Weiss and Carl Anderson, are proud to partner in this immersive learning experience, offering students the opportunity to earn college credit while gaining valuable real-world exposure. From May 24-26, 2024, SolShine-U transformed the festival grounds at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL into a dynamic classroom where education and entertainment converge.

A Look at solshine-u 2024

Schuyler Coffman

“I wanted to say a huge thank you for organizing the Solshine University experience for us. It was incredibly valuable and educational, and it helped me get a good idea of what I want todo in the future. This year’s panels were informative and inspiring, and they have me fired up about taking my next steps to find my place in the industry. These experiences are easily some of the most valuable and memorable I have had in college, it’s something all of us look forward to all year.”

Olivia Richmond, Bradley University

“Getting to observe and learn over the weekend at Solshine has helped me determine that I have truly found what I want to do after I finish my internship at Joann fabrics this summer. Without the help of Festival University I would not have realized I want to do marketing or merchandising in the music industry.”

weekend summary

The SolShine-U 2024 weekend was packed with unique learning opportunities and unforgettable experiences. Highlights included a panel and performance by Denver-based producer and violinist Josh Teed, who captivated students with his fusion of experimental bass music and live instrumentation. Later, students participated in a panel discussion with rising EDM star Wreckno, followed by an exclusive meet-and-greet with the talented Zingara.

Students also had the opportunity to attend panels featuring talent buyers Landen and Steve, as well as marketing director Ian Strasser, providing valuable insights into festival production and artist management. The weekend culminated in an insightful session led by Noah Treimer and Steve Landen, with Savannah Padgett playing an integral role in guiding students through a reflection on their learnings and future career paths. This final session provided a comprehensive look at leadership within the music industry and left participants inspired and prepared to take the next steps in their professional journeys.

Bonnaroo-U 2024