#292 - The Paralysis of Decision Making

On August 13th, 2011, prior to an outdoor performance at the Indiana State Fair by the hit Country recording act “Sugarland”, an approaching severe thunderstorm hit the temporary roof structure of the stage, causing it to collapse. The structure landed among a crowd of spectators, killing seven people and injuring 58 others. The cause was later determined to be a breakdown or lack of communication (a paralysis of sorts) between the Fair management, the production company, and the band, among other entities. Out of this, it was determined that there needs to be a certification process, not only for the actual production aspect, but also the people who put these shows together. Enter Jim Digby. Jim Digby, PMP, is the President of Show Makers, Inc., which proves strategic, tactical and operational project and production management support in the delivery of live events and music touring. He is also the Cofounder and President of the Event Safety Alliance, a Board member of Behind the Scenes Charity, and a frequent keynote speaker and presenter in matters relating to event safety, the events production career path, and mental health in live events. Jim tirelessly and passionately advocates for the safety, health and sustainability of the industry at large. Jim’s nearly four-decade journey in production, operations, and project management roles within the live entertainment, corporate, and music touring industry has had him working alongside artists as diverse as Linkin Park, Enrique Iglesias, Back Street Boys, the Bolshoi Ballet, Phil Collins, and most recently delivering marquee corporate events. Jim also spent four years delivering entertainment mega-projects inside Saudi Arabia including the first-ever international music festival in the Kingdom in 2018. © 2023 Lotta Dogs Productions LLC Showrunner and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Producer and Host (the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender Management Representation: Chuck Thompson for Thompson Entertainment Group, LLC Co-Producer - Audio/Video Editor (the man behind the curtain): Mark Sabella Director of Video and Continuity (the brains of the entire operation): Deborah Halle Marketing and Social Media (all knowing): Sarah Fleshner for 362 Entertainment All Around Problem Solver (and Mental Health Therapist for us): Connie Ribas Recorded inside what could be an old beat up Airstream Trailer located somewhere on what’s left of Music Row in Nashville TN (Man we sure do miss Noshville, and the Longhorn Steakhouse) Mixed and Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN Editing and Post at Midnight Express Studio located in Olian, NY Production Sound Design: Keith Stark Voice Over and Promo: Lisa Fuson Special Thanks to the creator and founder of the podcast, Tom Sabella, along with Traci Snow for producing and hosting over 100 episodes of the original "Business Side of Music" podcast and trusting us to carry on their legacy. Website: If you would like to be a guest on the show, please submit a request to: [email protected] If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for the show, let us know and we’ll send you a media / sponsorship kit to you. Contact us at [email protected] The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this show provided by the guest(s), are those of the guest(s) own, and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the host or producers of this podcast. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Business Side of Music’s name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner (Lotta Dogs Productions LLC), and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Copyright © 2023 Lotta Dogs Productions, LLC, All rights reserved.