What started as a way to bring Memphis together has become one of the most impactful civic festivals in the U.S. In this episode, Daniel talks with Kevin Grothe, Executive Vice President of Memphis in May International Festival, about how this month-long celebration has grown into a global gathering, from barbecue competitions and music festivals to cultural exchanges and international business connections.

Kevin shares how the festival unites the city, fuels tourism and economic growth, and evolves year after year. Plus, we get a look ahead at what’s in store for the 50th anniversary and the return of the Beale Street Music Festival in 2026.

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Every summer, Boothbay Harbor, Maine comes alive with Windjammer Days — a weeklong celebration of maritime heritage filled with schooners, vintage boats, lobster races, codfish relays, and fireworks over the water. In this episode, Daniel talks with Mark Gimbel and Bruce White, two local leaders who helped grow the festival into what it is today. From the history of tall ships to the joy of tug-of-war across the harbor, this is a look at how a small town throws a big party rooted in tradition, community, and coastal charm.

Subscribe to Event Explorer and send us your favorite festivals to cover at daniel@eventexp.org.

#WindjammerDays #BoothbayHarbor #FestivalPodcast #SailingLife #MaritimeHeritage #EventExplorer #SummerFestivals #TallShips #MaineEvents #ExploreMore

Sarah Kneller didn’t set out to become a leader in esports, but once she got pulled in, she helped shape it. From wrangling chaos at the first International Dota 2 tournament to launching Gamers & Guardians for military communities, she’s been at the frontlines of what digital-first events can do.

In this episode, we talk about what makes an event feel real, even when it’s happening online. Sarah shares how broadcast, game design, and emotional connection all come together in the spaces she builds. And why, sometimes, a weekly game night can mean a whole lot more than just a game.

This one’s about events, purpose, connection, and rethinking how we gather.

Follow Gamers & Guardians on Twitch and check out more at augustinteractive.gg. To stay in the loop or share your story, head to eventexp.org.

Since 2002, SF Sketchfest has hosted the biggest names in comedy—Monty Python legends, Kids in the Hall, Mr. Show, SNL icons, Paul Giamatti, Tim Curry, and even surprise appearances from Bill Murray. In this episode, co-founder David Owen joins us to share how the festival grew from a six-show grassroots event into a comedy mecca that blends underground talent with cultural icons. We go behind the scenes on what makes the festival special, how the team built trust with performers, and why live comedy still matters more than ever.

Laugh, learn, and discover: this is the story of SF Sketchfest.

#SFSketchfest #ComedyFestival #LiveComedy #EventExplorer #PaulGiamatti #TimCurry #BillMurray #SNL #MontyPython #KidsInTheHall #Podcast #FestivalStory

How do you train someone to run a music festival, a halftime show, or a citywide celebration? It starts with education.

In this episode of Event Explorer, we sit down with Dr. Tim Otteman from Central Michigan University—one of the only accredited event management programs in the U.S.—to talk about what it takes to prepare the next generation of event professionals.

From hands-on internships to classroom lessons in risk, budgeting, and cultural impact, Dr. Otteman shares how education is shaping the future of the events industry—and why creating meaningful experiences starts long before anyone arrives onsite.

🎓 A must-listen for educators, producers, and anyone looking to break into the world of live events.

#EventExplorer #Events #EventProfs #Podcast #Education #FestivalLife #LiveEvents #Internships #CollegeToCareer #CreativeCareers #EventManagement #HigherEd #CMU #Leadership #FutureOfEvents

Juliet Kennedy, founder of Brick Lane Jazz Festival, joins Event Explorer to share how East London’s underground scene helped shape one of the UK’s most exciting music festivals. We talk about curating genre-blurring lineups, building community through venues, and what’s in store for the 2025 edition.

🎶 Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns April 25–27, 2025

Full Lineup and Venue Info: https://www.bricklanejazzfestival.com/

🎧 Listen in, then check out the official Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/31fywv2eq6ozscbxiqhgvia6syby?si=710e68238c884557&nd=1&dlsi=998b762fee904082

#BrickLaneJazzFestival #LondonJazz #UKJazzScene #EastLondonCulture #JazzRefreshed #TomorrowsWarriors #MusicFestival #Festival #Event #IndependentMusic #NeoSoul #Jazz #London

Mamie Hong Weinberg’s story is the story of Chinese American culture in Los Angeles over the last several decades. A lifelong resident of Chinatown, Mamie has watched her community evolve while playing an active role in preserving and celebrating its traditions. In this episode of Event Explorer, Mamie shares her journey from childhood in Chinatown to performing as a dancer, to her current leadership with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles. We dive into the 126-year legacy of the Golden Dragon Parade and how it has become a cultural anchor, shaping generations of Chinese American identity and expression in LA.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community, tradition, and the power of events to create lasting connections.

🎟 Don’t miss the 126th Annual Golden Dragon Parade on March 22nd from 1 to 4 p.m. along North Broadway in Chinatown!

Now in its 18th year, this Miami Gardens institution brings together legendary artists like Ms. Lauryn Hill, New Edition, Toni Braxton, and Beenie Man for a weekend that celebrates Black music, community, and creativity.

In this episode, we sit down with Troy Brown, a powerhouse in the live entertainment industry, to talk about what it takes to grow a festival into a cultural movement. As a key player behind ONE Musicfest, TwoGether Land, and the Black Promoters Collective, Troy shares insights on festival ownership, curation, and the future of live events.

How do you evolve a festival without losing its soul? Why does Miami Gardens matter in the festival landscape? And what’s in store for JITG 2025? Tune in and find out.