One Hour To Doors

This conversation with DJ Indica Jones buzzes with stories about passion, dedication, and a rhythmic journey from Phoenix heat to the cool vibes of the Nectar Lounge in Fremont. We spun through Indica's origin story, touching on the influence of his contemporary DJ Z-Trip and the unwavering support from his wife who believed in his dream to the tune of a new set of turntables. Indica's tale isn't just about beats; it...

Embark on a revealing exploration with industry finance expert Susan Den, unravelling the intricate dance of finance, HR, and strategy in the nonprofit realm. Susan's prestigious transition from the thrill of amusement parks to the nuanced world of arts and music organizations has endowed her with a keen perspective on using accounting as a vibrant storytelling medium. Our conversation dives into how this narrative power shape...

This week we sit down with Amy Maxwell, the trailblazing force behind Ticket Tomato, for an in-depth conversation that's as ripe and juicy as the company's namesake. Amy's personal crusade for a better way of event ticketing has reshaped the landscape for festival-goers and event organizers alike, bringing affordable and accessible ticketing solutions to the forefront. Throughout our talk, she shares the triumphs and...

Imagine leaving the predictable comforts of a dental office for the dizzying heights of high-rigging in the entertainment industry. That's the story of Renee Munholand, whose remarkable career leap has seen her ensure the safety and success of everything from colossal concerts to Super Bowl extravaganzas. In our conversation, Renee peels back the curtain to reveal the resilience and passion required to soar in this high-stakes...

From her pirouettes in New York to steering Seattle's most vibrant festivals and innovative events, Jane Zalutsky's journey is nothing short of a masterclass in fearlessness in the arts and entertainment space. This episode is a treasure trove of backstories, pioneering spirit, and the everlasting imprint of arts on community fabric.

With leadership as our compass, we navigated the twists and turns of event manag...

This week we visit with the illustrious John McEuen, whose fingers have danced across banjo strings to the rhythm of a music revolution. Reflecting on his journey, John transports us from his first brush with Hank Williams' "Jambalaya" to the halls of fame with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Our hearts beat to the strumming of nostalgia as we explore the band's early days, their rise through the ranks of bluegrass,...

Join us for a fireworks extravaganza of conversation with Rick Olsen, owner of Pyro and Fire FX in Gig Harbor, Washington. Discover his transformative journey from firefighter to pyrotechnician, as Rick recounts the heights he's scaled, both literal—in the form of the towering King Dome—and metaphorical, in the impacts his work has had on audiences across the globe. From sporting events to the unforgettable Times Square New Ye...

Ever found yourself in a room with someone whose very presence changes the air, sparking a light bulb moment that shifts your career trajectory? That's the magic Mardig Sheridan brought to Jon's world, and in our latest episode, we navigate his winding path from small strategic envisioning workshops to the boardrooms of tech giants. Mardig, with his treasure trove of strategy consulting expertise, unravels the intricacies...

This week we meet a young artist at the beginning of his career. When Seattle's own Kiddus Fecto traded his basketball aspirations for the pulsing heart of music, a star was born in the lush soundscapes of the Pacific Northwest. This episode sings a tale of transformation, as Kiddus shares his melodious journey from the echo of church choirs to his first steps onto festival stages. We unravel the fabric of his musical backgrou...

One Hour To Doors host Jon Stone reviews the inaugural season of this podcast. From fostering understanding of human gatherings and the event industry's role in ensuring safety, to sharing his recent experiments with field recording that transformed into this podcast during a global hiatus, it's been an incredible ride. We have been truly humbled by the time and wisdom shared by our cherished guests and you, our loyal lis...

Our guest, Beth Knox, renowned PNW event producer and President and CEO of the Seattle Sports Commission, unveils her fascinating story of venturing into the world of event production, embracing her fears, and discovering her own voice through mentorship and leadership roles. She gives us an inside look at her career trajectory that was profoundly shaped during her time at SeaFair and One Reel in the 1990's. This episode is no...

Get ready for fun as we take you on a remarkable journey with George Sharp, a pioneering figure in the PNW festivals and events industry. From his beginnings as a gorilla balloon-gram performer, to becoming the first mascot of the National Lentil Festival, and on to become a leader in rural economic development through special events, George's story is as intriguing as it is inspiring. His passion for promoting tourism and com...

Ever wondered how a small community event can transform into a buzzing festival with 34,000 annual visitors? Well, your curiosity ends here. Join us as we journey into the heart of Washington's festival culture with Peggy Doering, the Executive Director of Spokane Valley's renowned Valley Fest. Her insights into the evolution of this fascinating event from its humble inception at a county park to the citywide phenomenon i...

Did you know Wintergrass, a music festival committed to fostering young talent and offering unforgettable experiences, has an intriguing history and uniquely vibrant culture? Dive into this discussion with Wendy Tyner, the former director of Philanthropy and Publicity at Wintergrass and current Treasurer of the International Bluegrass Music Association Foundation, as she passionately shares with us the compelling aspects of this fe...

When the world fell quiet during the pandemic, Annie DiMartino, Deputy Director of Performing Arts Center Eastside, found a way to bring back the music. With a background in the nonprofit sector and a passion for performing arts, Annie conceptualized and created the Arts Without Barriers program to offer a lifeline to out-of-work musicians and bring vibrancy back to her community responsibly after over a year of lockdown. Discover ...

Country Dave Harmonson is woven into the fabric of the Pacific Northwest music scene. A true guitar man, for six decades now Dave has made his living with six strings, a microphone, and a passion for storytelling. He is rooted in traditional country music and clearly draws on inspiration from blues, folk, jazz and pop. Within the industry Dave is universally respected as a first-call musician readily adaptable to any need or situat...

This episode is Part 2 of 2 of Jon sitting down with his present day mentor, sounding board and dear friend Toni Aspin. These sessions were recorded at Toni’s office in historic and arts-centric Port Townsend, WA.

Toni's career story to date is as remarkable as it is eclectic. She has been the executive director at Centrum Arts in Port Townsend, the managing director at Richard Hugo House Literary Arts Center, and the CFO at th...

Jon sits down with his present day mentor, sounding board and dear friend Toni Aspin.

Toni's career story to date is as remarkable as it is eclectic. She has been the executive director at Centrum Arts in Port Townsend, the managing director at Richard Hugo House Literary Arts Center, and the CFO at the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. She was a founding director at not one but two commercial banks in Washington State, and...

Frank Sebastian is president of Emergency Management Group - Washington, a non-profit organization providing services to the festivals and events industry. EMG is comprised largely of current and former FEMA and first responder agencies, bringing a wealth of experience and insights to events large and small. All of its officers and members are non-paid volunteers.

EMG has provided services to events such as SeaFair, Specia...