Heather Lowery Elected To Music Forward Board Of Directors

Music Forward is focused on helping young people in underserved communities break into the music business – both on stage and behind the scenes – by providing information, tools and opportunities.  The organization is committed to “addressing gender and racial parities in the industry through its free community programs and through incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences across the institution.” 

The nonprofit, which launched in 1993 and was initially known as the International House of Blues Foundation, is part of the House of Blues and Live Entertainment Family. Music Forward also administers and manages industry initiatives like Crew Nation, which was established in March to benefit crew members affected by the pandemic.   

Lowery founded her own boutique agency, Agency For Artists, in 2005 and in 2017 she joined Live Nation as Vice President of Talent & Touring at Live Nation Urban, under the leadership of Shawn Gee, overseeing events including Roots Picnic and Broccoli City Festival. Lowery launched Femme It Forward as a multi-format series of all-female curated lineups in April 2019 and by December it entered a joint venture with Live Nation, backed by Michael Rapino.

“I especially want the young women who don’t normally see themselves in positions of influence to feel empowered and inspired to use their gifts and voices to enter and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive entertainment industry culture,” Lowery said in a statement. “I am excited to join Music Forward’s board of directors and eager to work together on removing barriers to enter the music industry and harnessing our power and passion to elevate our communities.”

Lowery was honored in March as part of the inaugural salute to the “Women of Live,” as well as being included in the second annual Impact 50 list in July. She also been recognized by Billboard for the publication’s “Women in Music,” “New Power Generation 25 Top Innovators,” and “R&B Hip-Hop Power Players” in 2019.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Heather to our board of directors,” said Nurit Siegel Smith, executive director. “She will bring energy and a focus on strategic alliances to our board and strengthen Music Forward’s commitment to enhancing mission-critical solutions to better serve our young people, our communities, and the industry we serve.”

The board also includes Ron Bension, president, Venues, Live Nation; Michael Grozier, executive vice president, Venues, Live Nation; Eric Lassen, deputy general counsel, Live Nation; Emily Simonitsch, senior vice president talent, Live Touring and Talent, Live Nation; Patti-Anne Tarlton, chairman, Ticketmaster Canada and executive vice president of venues and promoters for North America; Kathy Willard, chief financial officer, Live Nation.