Running a Festival w/ Abby Cassio
Welcome back to Cloud Machine, the weekly music business video podcast hosted by Mat Landry and industry insiders. In this thirty-first episode, Mat sits down with Abby Cassio, the Executive Director of River & Sky, to discuss her journey in the music and arts industry. Abby shares her experiences of growing up in the Sudbury arts scene, her time at TMU's Creative Industries program, and the evolution of this year’s River & Sky Festival. Together, they dive deep into the role of running a festival, the challenges and triumphs of working behind the scenes, and the current state of Sudbury’s downtown core.
Episode Highlights
Abby shares her origin story and how growing up in the Sudbury arts scene shaped her career.
The transition from her studies in TMU’s Creative Industries program to her current role as Executive Director of River & Sky.
Insights into the current state of Sudbury’s downtown core and its impact on the arts.
The logistics of running a successful festival and the work involved behind the scenes.
Reflections on this year’s River & Sky festival and the challenges and triumphs of managing it.
Abby’s perspective on fostering a creative community and supporting local talent.
Key Takeaways
Festival Leadership: The role of the Executive Director requires a mix of creative and logistical skills to ensure a successful festival experience.
Community Impact: The arts scene and community engagement play a crucial role in revitalizing and maintaining the downtown area of Sudbury.
Creative Industries Education: Abby’s time at TMU’s Creative Industries program provided valuable insights into the business side of the arts and entertainment industry.
Festival Evolution: River & Sky’s growth highlights the importance of adaptability and vision when running a successful festival year after year.
Guest Spotlight
Abby Cassio is the Executive Director of the River & Sky Festival, a well-known arts and music festival in Northern Ontario. With a background in the Sudbury arts scene and a degree from TMU’s Creative Industries program, Abby has dedicated herself to fostering creative community spaces. Under her leadership, River & Sky continues to grow, bringing together artists and audiences in a celebration of culture, music, and nature.
About Cloud Machine
Produced by Eights Creative, Cloud Machine is your go-to podcast for music industry insights. Each episode blends education and entertainment to inspire and inform musicians, creators, and fans.
