Transfer SAEM Student Elevating Music Scene at Wolfies Pub in Pittsburgh

Meet Tracy Randall

Job Title & Employer: Temporary Housing Coordinator, VisitPittsburgh
Major/Program: Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management
Graduation: December 2020
Scholarships: Merit Transfer
Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio
High School: Woodrow Wilson High School (Youngstown City School District)
Now Living In: Pittsburgh, Pa. (Crafton Borough)
Dream Job: A full-time job in sports or entertainment that I enjoy so that I may never have to work a day in my life and something that will allow me to financially make a living, pay off student loans and continue saving for retirement
Hobbies & Interests: Concerts, travel, motorcycles, cats and dogs

"Tracy has added an element of excitement to Wolfies Pub. Her passion for Blues music is evident in everything she does. Tuesday Blues Day is only a couple of weeks old, but I can already tell that it is here to stay. I have worked with numerous students and graduates from the SAEM program and can vouch for how incredible it is. Not only has Tracy been great, but so has Amber Montz and Emily Kelly. Since graduating this past semester, Emily has joined the James Street Promotions team handling marketing, social media and data organization. Amber has been hosting, booking and organizing Open Mic Night every Thursday from 8 to 11p.m. If you want to stop in and check it out, get there early because the list always fills up!"

Kevin Saftner, owner, James Street Productions

"Professors Paige Beal, Melinda Colaizzi and Elaine Luther are truly inspirational. All three empower young ladies to work hard, focus on your goals and aspirations and keep it real in the male-dominated entertainment world ... Professor Margaret Gilfillan, who teaches accounting, is a total gem — a super awesome human being and effective educator. And last, but not least, Ed Traversari, who is the guru of all things concert and promotion. By connecting me with James Street Promotions, he has given me a stellar opportunity."

Tracy Randall

What factors led you to transfer to Point Park University and major in SAEM?

I completed about 30 credit hours of part-time school at the Community College of Allegheny County and held a favorable GPA, especially considering I was working full time and maintaining an apartment. I qualified for a Merit Transfer scholarship at Point Park University to help defray the costs.

When I went to the admissions department to inquire about the sports, arts and entertainment management program, I was surprisingly invited and escorted to the office of none other than Professor Ed Traversari himself.

I had been to several DiCesare Engler Productions events (which Ed managed) in Pittsburgh over the years. I have ticket stubs at home with his name on them. He talked with me a while. I sat in awe because his office is like a mini Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame with pictures hung on the walls all featuring Ed with many real Hall of Fame inductees. Considering Ed’s status as a concert promotion icon, I was impressed that he was so welcoming and had the time to chat with someone just showing a bit of interest in the SAEM program. From that first visit, I still carry an important piece of advice from Ed: “Network, network and network!!!”

Tell us about the work you’ve done to create a music scene at Wolfies Pub.

Pictured is SAEM student Tracy Randall at Wolfies Pub. Photo by Emma Federkeil. I used some networking I had been doing as a volunteer with the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania to put together a wish list of bands to introduce to Downtown Pittsburgh via a series at Wolfies Pub called "Tuesday Blues Day." I invited eight bands to be booked and all said yes right away.

I’ve actually had other bands approach me to book them because the interest to play Blues in Downtown Pittsburgh is great. I learned about proposal letters, monetary offers, creating and sharing Facebook event pages and contacting various media outlets from Kevin Saftner of James Street Productions, who is guiding me through the process of live music promotion.

I’ve hung posters and distributed hot cards, called and emailed my friends and offered promotional gifts for those helping to spread the word. I work to provide an entertainment option for older crowds in particular because sometimes 40-somethings and older get missed when venues are booking bands. The empty nesters like to get out, too. And the early start time ensures that a great time will be had by all and the working folks will still make their bed times!

How have our faculty impacted you?

I have enjoyed each class in the SAEM program that I have completed so far and have learned so much. Jason Varnish, who teaches the Ticketing course, has impacted my life in a positive financial manner by providing me with part-time work at Heinz Field and Highmark Stadium though his business, BOM Advisers.

Professors Paige Beal, Melinda Colaizzi and Elaine Luther are truly inspirational. All three empower young ladies to work hard, focus on your goals and aspirations and keep it real in the male-dominated entertainment world.

Professor Margaret Gilfillan, who teaches accounting, is a total gem — a super awesome human being and effective educator. And last, but not least, Ed Traversari, who is the guru of all things concert and promotion. By connecting me with James Street Promotions, he has given me a stellar opportunity.

What has been your favorite SAEM class so far and why?

My favorite SAEM class so far is Event Management with Melinda Colaizzi. I have learned so much about being organized and paying attention to meticulous details when planning an event. I also learned about the real cost of putting on an event, even a small event.

Lastly, I learned that everything is a little easier with help from friends, especially friends with a variety of expertise and talent in a small sector of event planning. A great team is invaluable to event management.

In what ways has Point Park put you on the path to your career goals?

I’ve learned about marketing, ticketing, event management, concert promotion, touring and fundraising. The curriculum is broad enough that an upperclassman or graduate is definitely ready for an entry-level job in the entertainment industry.

Transfer SAEM Student Elevating Music Scene at Wolfies Pub in Pittsburgh Student Profile