Behind all the glitz and glam of cowboy hats and country boots, there are many hours of work and planning that go into putting on a successful concert.
Todd Gottula, senior director of communications and marketing, worked hard behind the scenes to plan and make the concert happen.
“There are a lot of logistical details that go into hosting a national touring artist and several challenges in the concert industry,” Gottula said. “About six to eight months of preparation goes into the concert, so there are very few surprises once show day is here. Things went very smoothly.”
When it comes to choosing the artist, it is a collaborative effort involving LPAC student organizers, industry professionals and others on campus.
UNK considers feedback from students, previous concert successes and the desire to bring big-name talent to campus.
Maisy Wade, a UNK student member of LPAC, was happy to help organize this event.
“Honestly the whole process was fun,” Wade said. “I enjoyed helping put together their hospitality rooms and making sure we gave both Nate and Lauren a warm UNK welcome. It was also really rewarding seeing everything come together the night of the show.”
Securing Nate Smith involved several steps. Student organizers conducted extensive research to identify potential artists.
Once Nate Smith was identified, the team coordinated with his management to confirm availability, negotiate terms and ensure logistical arrangements for his performance.
“I went to the spring concert last year to watch Yung Gravy perform, so I was intrigued when I saw that a country singer was performing this time,” said Hope Keough, a junior at UNK.
Switching it up from last year’s American rapper, songwriter and social media sensation, Yung Gravy, to this year’s Academy of Country Music Award nominee for 2023 New Male Artist of the Year, Nate Smith, keeps a wide range of options for next year’s show.
Organizers will begin discussing the 2025 concert in early fall by identifying potential acts, having initial conversations with artist representatives and checking their availability and interest in performing at UNK.
Photos by Shelby Berglund / Antelope Staff
