Westminster Students Receive Behind-the-Scenes Experience at Popular Music Festival

Columbia, Missouri’s Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival is referred to by American Blues Scene Magazine as “one of the most prominent festivals in the country.” The annual event draws national talent, with this year’s lineup including Gary Clark, Jr., Emmylou Harris, Leon Bridges, and Ryan Adams, among many others. Last week, students in Westminster’s Sports and Entertainment Venues Operations & Logistics class got to take a backstage tour and meet the man behind the festival, Richard King.

King, who owns Thumper Entertainment, led the tour and discussed the activation of such a large-scale entertainment event. “Richard kindly gave the students a tour less than 24 hours before the festival would open the gates to attendees. That’s simply remarkable!” says Jack Croghan, director of Westminster’s Sports and Entertainment Business Management Program.

And that’s not all. “Through our SEBM Program,” Croghan says, “we secured a Roots N Blues N BBQ internship, volunteer positions,  and also day-of-event paid work opportunities for our students.”

These powerful on-site experiences help better prepare Westminster students for future careers in the world of sports and entertainment. Learn more about Westminster’s Sports and Entertainment Business Management Program here.