It’s always special to use our services to help the community and this year’s Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was no exception. On a night that brings together thousands of people from around the Nashville area to raise awareness and money for such an important cause, I was honored to design the VIP Bright Lights area. I chose linen, décor and comfortable furniture, all in the official colors of the walk; bright yellow, red and white and the giant tent looked amazing when the lanterns went on. We had multiple food options from two fabulous caterers, a bar featuring a delicious specialty drink named “The Survivor” and a coffee and cookie station from Starbucks – clearly no one left hungry, thirsty or disappointed! I’m so thankful to all the sponsors who donated their time and services to help us celebrate this important organization.
Garth Brooks at AT&T Stadium & Ascend Amphitheater
It was all about Garth in the month of October! We kicked it off with a celebration at the famous AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX as Garth and Frito Lay announced their partnership to promote Garth’s new song, “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance”. Two of our team members were onsite to make sure everything ran smoothly, including a cocktail reception, listening party for the new single and a radio remote on the field the next day. It was a whirlwind, but it’s always great to be part of such a highly anticipated launch. We got to enjoy a Nashville celebration a few weeks later when Garth brought his 7-diamond status home to Tennessee, an honor that has never been given before to a solo artist! I was thrilled to work with my team to coordinate a special experience for the VIP guests before and after the concert at the Ascend amphitheater downtown. Congrats Garth!
FGL Dig Your Roots Remote NYC August 2016
I always say I can throw a party anywhere, so when Florida Georgia Line asked me to do an event for them in New York City, I was more than happy to jump on board! After all, what better place to kick-off the “Dig Your Roots” album launch and tour than in a historical venue that houses the ancestral records of so many of us? Ellis Island was the perfect backdrop for this event and everyone in attendance could feel the energy in the room. A private sunset cruise around Lady Liberty provided breathtaking views of the statue, the Manhattan skyline and Ellis Island. Once inside the main function hall, guests got to meet the performers, enjoy delicious American fare and watch the premiere of the new “May We All” music video. There was also a Google cardboard station to view a special virtual reality behind the scenes experience from the making of the music video. The “Dig Your Roots” album played on a loop during the evening and everyone had such a good time that it was hard to get the ferry boarded and on route back to the city! The next morning, radio personalities from around the country got a chance to speak to the artists about their inspiration behind the record and what it was like to create. It was a fabulous weekend, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.
BMLG CMA November 2016
I always pull out all the stops on Country Music’s Biggest Night and this party for BMLG, during my 20th year of during CMA, was no exception! We took over Marathon Music Works to celebrate the incredible work this label and their artists have done throughout the past year and man was it something to see! The 7-foot-wide custom BMLG chandelier in the center was a standout piece, but there were plenty of special touches throughout the black, red and gold décor. I had multiple couch areas, a charging station, portable fireplaces, DJ’s all the way from NYC and of course, a red carpet entrance area. Everyone definitely felt like a celebrity. The artists, label staff and guests had so much fun enjoying the great music and incredible food that we partied until 3 o’clock in the morning! I don’t know how we’ll go bigger next year but I’m excited to make it happen.
ACM Awards 2017
The Academy of Country Music Awards are one of the highlights of the year for the Country community. Fans, artists and radio personalities take over Las Vegas to celebrate another fabulous year of great music, incredible songwriters, show-stopping tours and storytelling music videos. This year’s show promised to be something special, and we were thrilled to be along for the ride. My involvement with the ACMs this time around was the biggest in Randi Events history, with 5 events throughout the weekend. My fabulous team and I flew to Vegas to make the impossible possible in the party capital of the world.
It all started with a party for Big Machine Label Groups’ own Thomas Rhett, one of the newest spokespersons for the General Mills organization, Outnumber Hunger. The radio remote and private performance went off without a hitch – it was the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Our crew spent the next few days getting ready for the big event, Sunday’s awards, walking through venues to make sure everything was ready to go. Load-ins started across the city as our great partner vendors got to work bringing our designer’s plans to life.
The first event on Sunday was a pre-show party for aviation mogul CESSNA, backstage at the TMobile arena. Blue couches and lighting and beautiful draping provided the perfect setting for staff to mix and mingle before the awards began. The highlight of the event were the Big Machine artists who stopped by to say hello.
Once the Awards show let out it was time for us to really do our thing. Thousands of show attendees flocked to after parties, and we threw two of the biggest ones. Sony Music Nashville artists, staff and friends headed to the HYDE lounge in the TMobile arena, where we partnered with Hostess Snacks to create a delicious and creative display of their best products. The folks from Big Machine Label Group enjoyed their own party with food, drink and music at Sake Rok on the Vegas strip. Everyone had a great time celebrating the night’s winners and looking back on a stellar year.
I’m so proud of our involvement with the ACMs this year. Thanks to every Las Vegas vendor, venue and partner who helped make this happen. Until next time!
Brad Paisley Love & War Radio Remote April 2017
I love doing all types of events in and around downtown Nashville, but the music industry parties hold a special place in my heart! I was honored to plan a multi-day event for Sony Music to celebrate the release of country superstar Brad Paisley’s new album, “Love and War” this past April. Radio personalities from 30 outlets across the country came to Nashville to be a part of the occasion, and we were there every step of the way.
The weekend started off with a special event at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the heart of downtown. Guests had a private viewing of the “Brad Paisley: Diary of a Player” exhibit that tells the story of a prodigy turned superstar through never-before seen drawings and illustrations from Paisley’s childhood, alongside a collection of instruments, performance clothing, awards, and mementos from his life and career. Everyone then proceeded downstairs to the CMA Ford Theater for an early screening of the Love and War Visual Album, a compilation of music videos for every song off the new record. Brad spoke, welcoming guests, thanking them for celebrating with him, and announcing a surprise pop-up show that evening at the World-Famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in the heart of the Broadway strip. The crowd headed upstairs to the famous Hall of Fame rotunda for dinner, sponsored by Sarah Cannon and Band Against Cancer. The rain couldn’t stop this celebration, and once dinner was over, everyone boarded the buses to head to Tootsies. The special concert was also announced on social media, inviting Brad’s biggest fans to join in, and soon the intimate iconic venue was packed. But the surprises weren’t over yet – Brad invited music legend John Fogerty on stage to join him in singing current and old classics. Even hip hop producer Timbaland, who is also featured on the Love and War album made an appearance. It was truly a once in a lifetime musical experience for everyone inside the bar.
The high from the night continued the next morning when the radio personalities returned to the Country Music Hall of Fame for a live radio remote broadcast. Each outlet got a chance to talk to Brad about the new record, the pop-up show the night before and all things Love and War. It was a busy few days, but I couldn’t have been happier with how it all turned out. Congrats to Brad and the whole Sony team on a fabulous record and celebration.
Rascal Flatts at the Ball Park July 2016
I had a great time celebrating Rascal Flatts’ No. 1 hit “I Like the Sound of That” with our good friends at Big Machine Label Group. It was only appropriate to host this celebration at First Tennessee Park, home of our very own Nashville Sounds. Playing along with the baseball theme, we have ballpark food for the guests and a great view! Congrats to all of the talented artists & songwriters who were a part of hitting this one out of the park!
Where it All Began
People often ask me where it all began and how I got to where I am now. I simply smile, and reply: “It’s all about the drive.” Throughout my journey, I have always carried one thing with me: My drive to be an all-around success. A mother, a businesswoman, whatever it may be – I knew I would succeed. It all started with my mother, who will always be my absolute biggest inspiration. She taught me that hard work; selflessness and drive can get me just about anywhere in life.
I first watched this unfold while she, a single parent for the majority of my life, juggled three jobs and was on a mission to give my older sister and I everything. And, that she did. She made it. She used her drive to find her direction and I admire her tremendously for being such a success in business, while still managing to always put her children first. So, that’s how I’ve modeled my path.
Finding your direction isn’t easy. In fact, it’s one of the most difficult challenges to overcome. I had the drive, but I needed the direction. You have to have the determination to work endless hours and to try different things to find where you thrive. I did a lot of moving around, I worked in different fields and I met a lot of people along the way.
I truly thought I had it all figured out. I had a wonderful husband and two beautiful children. But, something was missing. I knew that I couldn’t be the greatest mother without having a balance in my life.
That brings me to the day that changed my life forever…
My plans to be a stay-at-home mom to my then 2 1/2-year-old son and my newborn were suddenly intervened by fate. It happened at a birthday party that I attended with my son. I heard that the birthday boy’s father was going to work for a new label and was having a huge grand opening party – that’s all it took. I knew it was my time to follow my direction. And, that’s where my event-planning career began. At the time, I was a “one-man show.” I produced the grand opening of “DreamWorks Records” in 1996, and since, have grown my company to a full-time staff of 11 operating on the historic Music Row in Nashville.
By finding that balance, I found my direction and my passion to be an event planner and, in turn, it made me a much better mother and entrepreneur.