Who We Are
ABOUT US
The fall Workshop is a free annual event created by Chris Lisle and Erik Parker designed to serve and educate their colleagues in the touring music industry. The inaugural workshop was held in November 2011 at Belmont University, and was attended by over fifty industry professionals. In the past several years well over 350 people have attended. Touring Career Workshop, now operating as ECCHO Live, is an official IRS 501c3 non profit. ​

Unless you work for one of the major vendors and are blessed to have a great benefits package, you must fend for yourself to provide the tools needed to get by in life: health insurance, retirement plans, and the general skills to run your own business. Make no mistake about it, if you are a freelance technician in the touring business – you ARE your own business. This is where the vision of the fall Workshop comes to life: a simple workshop where a lot of the success tools needed are presented by experts in each of their respective fields. There is NO pressure to purchase any of the services that are presented during the workshop. Attendees will listen to brief overviews on a variety of topics, and at the end will have the opportunity to set up meetings with the vendors if desired. ECCHO Live and its Board receive no commission or fees in any way from any of the vendors. We are organizing this to give back to our industry, with the hope that several people can walk away from the workshop motivated with the tools needed to have the best career that they can!
ECCHO Live's resources extend beyond the flagship event as well. We host several networking gatherings each year to give a time and place for fellow roadies to have a chance to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. Our All Access program provides four sessions of counseling with one of our designated providers, giving a chance for touring professionals to discuss their difficult moments and work through challenging moments that arise.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As a 501c3, ECCHO Live is governed by a Board of Directors. New Board Members must apply and are voted in by the existing Board to serve a two year term. At the completion of that term, some Board members may be requested to serve an additional term without needing to reapply.

Brandon “Soss” Sossamon is a native Texan and grew up in the Live Event Industry working for various Production houses in the Houston area. This led to touring with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Vampire Weekend, Star Wars in Concert, and several Industrials. Today, Soss works full time as the Director of Production for C3 Presents in Austin handling their Festivals and Special Events. Annual events include ACL Festival, Lollapalooza, NFL Draft, Bonnaroo, and many more. Soss resides in Georgetown, TX with his wife of 18 year and their 10 year old daughter. In his free time, you’d be hard pressed to peel him away from Possum Kingdom Lake.
Brandon Sossamon
Chairman of Board

Originally from upstate New York, Sharon spent most of her adult life in the Boston area. In 2016 she relocated to Nashville and founded High Road Inc., a tour trucking and logistics company that focuses on artists playing mid-cap venues. Tours have included H.E.R., Switchfoot, Collective Soul, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Gavin DeGraw, Matt Kearney, Kaleo, Daughtry, Dropkick Murphys, Camilo, Meshuggah, In Flames, Young the Giant, Gin Blossoms, and many others.
Sharon is mom to 4 amazing kids, 2 adults and 2 teens. She enjoys family time, traveling, and being anywhere near water.
Sharon Lee​
Vice Chair

Jess Trindle has been in the live Events Industry for the last 10 years after receiving her degree in Music Industry Management from Ferris State University. Originally from Southern California, Jess relocated to Nashville, to pursue her career in touring, working as a Production Assistant and VIP Coordinator for artists like Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, KT Tunstall. Jess joined The Production Collective as a Production Coordinator in 2019 for festivals and corporate events. Since then, she has been promoted to Project Manager, working on projects like the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, NFL Draft, NASCAR Chicago Street Race, and Dreamville Music Fest. Jess enjoys wearing many hats in her role and is always up for a challenge. She enjoys traveling, hiking with her dog, and puzzles in her spare time.
Jessica Trindle
Secretary

Originally from Chandler, AZ, Mark Anderson made his way to Nashville, TN to complete a B.S. degree in Audio Engineering Technology from Belmont University.
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After graduating, Mark spent the next 5 years touring with several artists in a variety of roles ranging from Stage Manager, Monitor Engineer, FOH Engineer, and Road/Production Manager before joining the CLLD team in 2015 and extending his expertise to the ECCHO Live events.​​
Mark Anderson​

Tee-Cee Bailey has been in the live music industry for over 30 years. Hailing from South Carolina, she is a classically trained French Horn Player with a degree from North Greenville College. She is also a graduate from Middle Tennessee State University’s Recording Industry Management Program. Tee-Cee has mixed monitors for Trisha Yearwood since 1998 and is full time with Garth Brooks since 2014. She is also an accomplished production assistant/production manager.
When not on tour, Tee-Cee resides in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys reading, spending quiet time with the backyard wildlife, fly fishing and digging in the dirt.
Tee-Cee Bailey​

Founder of Life's Jam, empowers music touring professionals by providing crucial financial coaching to help them organize and plan their finances. Her career began in production finance at NBC, fostering a profound respect for the behind-the-scenes talents essential to live performances. In response to the pandemic's challenges, she launched Life's Jam to aid industry professionals in managing their personal and professional finances. Over the last four years, Rachael has partnered with the Music Forward Foundation, the Country Music Association, Women in Music, and more.Through a collaboration with MusiCares, she extends crucial financial coaching to those in need. Additionally, Rachael shares monthly financial insights in her column for Projection, Lights, & Staging News (PLSN)magazine.Rachael holds a finance degree from Boston University's School of Business and is an Accredited Financial Counselor certified by the AFCPE. Residing in Miami, she provides both in-person and remote financial coaching. For more on Rachael’s initiatives, visit www.lifesjam.com
Rachael Bronstein
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Robert Bull is an account executive for Clair Global/ Leadership Team for Rock Nashville which he has worked there for 32 years.
Robert Bull

Mike Finn brings nearly 20 years of Tour Managing experience, starting in Boston’s local music scene, he’s organized everything from basement shows and VFW hall gigs to stadiums. His career quickly expanded to global stages. Over the years, he’s worked with a diverse roster of artists, including Our Last Night, Mayday Parade, Boys Like Girls, Dillon Francis, Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen, and Imagine Dragons. In addition to his touring expertise, Mike is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, where he teaches Concerts and Touring, sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of music industry professionals.
Mike Finn

Rich Flora has lived all over the country to pursue his passions of audio and electronics. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, he got his start during high school while working for a regional company doing lighting and monitor mixing. This ignited his love for audio, and he hasn’t looked back since! After high school, he joined the Navy as an Electronics Tech and discovered that his true passion was for live production.
Since then, he has worked in some of his favorite cities, including Seattle, New Orleans, San Diego, and Orlando, before moving to Nashville over 30 years ago.
Throughout his career, Rich has been an audio engineer, lighting director, radio broadcast engineer, celebrity guest truck loader, and even an A/V Tech for a top-50 law firm. He’s gotten the opportunity to work with many bands, most notably Little Texas & Collin Raye during his 27 years at Clair Global.
Rich joined The Blackbird Academy in 2019. When asked about his time at Blackbird, he said, “I have worked with some of the most passionate and knowledgeable people on all sides of the industry. Now, I get to share my love of the Live Event Production and help the next generation of Audio Professionals discover their true passion”.
Rich Flora

Erik’s background in the music business was formed as a member of the Student Activities Board Concert Committee while attending The University of Kentucky. After graduating in 1994, he moved to Nashville to pursue a career in the music business. By1999, he was on the road as a Merchandise Manager and then Tour Manager but eventually transitioned to the role of Production Manager. Since 2005, Erik has overseen worldwide touring productions for Staind, Nelly Furtado, Alice In Chains, Rob Zombie, Billy Currington, Paramore and for the last 10 years, Miranda Lambert, including her Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas Residency.When not touring, Erik has spoken to music industry classes at Belmont University,MTSU and Point Park University. In 2024, he was part of the inaugural CMA Mentorship program
Erik Leighty

Stephen Navyac provides counseling for individuals and couples, helping people who want to improve their significant relationships, improve or change their habits, career paths, and understanding of the families they came from. Certified in EMDR for those who have experienced trauma, unpleasant memories or life experiences. Pre-marital and pre-engagement counseling available utilizing the Prepare Enrich Program. As a former Tour Manager (20+ years), Stephen has unique insights and understanding of those working in the touring profession.
Stephen Navyac

Kyler Pastorius has been in the event industry for the last fourteen years after receiving her degree from UNLV in Meeting and Events Management. She made the transition to the music industry 10 years ago working for Keith Urban, where she worked her way from Production Assistant to Assistant Tour Manager. After the industry cam back from COVID she joined The Production Collective as a Production Coordinator for festivals and corporate events. Some of her favorite events are the NFL Draft, BottleRock Music Festival and Lollapalooza in Chicago. Kyler has a passion for putting the puzzle pieces of an event together and seeing it come to life. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family, watching movies, traveling and reading.
Kyler Pastorius

Helena Pygrum has led a twenty-five year career in concert event production in various roles, from theatre publicist in Melbourne Australia, then Tour Road Manager of the Canadian Chippendales in Outback Australia to then moving to the US in the early 2000’s into corporate events with Gail & Rice Productions in Detroit, Festival Production for Clear Channel Entertainment, Venue Production Manager for Live Nation, National Promoter Rep for AEG Live/Messina Group where she toured for close to a decade with the Kenny Chesney Tour. In 2010 she took a career hiatus and ran a small goat farm in New Mexico before returning to Nashville in 2014 as a mother and began managing the labor departments for VER Tour Sound, PRG Audio and most recently as the Director of Labor Resources for Solotech US Live Productions, where she actively booked labor & touring crews putting hundreds of people back to work post covid, built an in-house labor department to continue this work and lead the team with a focus on career advancement, longevity and life/work balance for their crew.
Helena lives in Nashville, TN and where she raises her son, alongside two dogs and two cats.
Helena Pygrum

Ryan is the Regional Manager of Artist Relations at the Shure office in Nashville, TN. In 1993, he started at Shure Headquarters in the Customer Service Department, joined the AR team in 1995, and moved down to Nashville in 2001. Some of the artists Ryan works with include The Who, Maroon 5, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Lawrence, Jason Mraz, Jon Pardi, Brett Young and many more. Ryan has over 30 years of performance experience, playing drums, percussion, and singing in various groups and genres.
Ryan Smith

Jake Tickle grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA. After moving to Florida to earn a Degree in Show Production from Full Sail University, Tickle started his professional career at Vari*Lite Production Services. Driven by his love of travel and exploring the world he did a four year float on Cruise Ships. 2006 saw Jake move to Nashville to pursue a touring career. Tickle has spent the last 17 years at Bandit Lites and is currently the Vice President of Business and Innovation. Jake resides in Mt. Juliet, TN with his wife Erin and two sons.
Jake Tickle

Adam grew up in Jackson, Tennessee. He received his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University, where he graduated with honors. Adam earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, and was admitted to practice by the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Adam is active in numerous professional organizations and keeps up on the latest changes in the law and legal practice, regularly attending classes and seminars on topics that will benefit his clients.
When not practicing law, Adam enjoys spending time with his family, serving his church, traveling, and numerous outdoor activities.
Adam Warren

A 23+ year veteran of the entertainment industry, Zito has grown his career from the solo crew guy with van and trailer bands all the way to PM for some of the largest rock and pop artists on the planet. He embraces modern technology in touring and celebrates a “people first” mentality on the road.
Zito
BOARD ADVISORS

Chuck Hull spent 52 years in the music industry as an audio engineer, tour manager, talent coordinator and event manager.
Having retired from touring work in January of 2024, he now consults with management and artists on the fruition of design and project completion.
Chuck Hull
Advisor

Erik Parker isn’t from Nashville, but he came loving country music so he fit right in. He’s served as lighting director traveling with bands throughout the world such as OneRepublic, NeedToBreathe, Jennifer Nettles and Brooks and Dunn. Parker has also designed stages of all sizes at events such as the KAABOO festival, Midnight Music City: A Nashville New Year’s Eve, Nashville Chapter Grammy Block Party as well as designed and programed tours with Judah and the Lion, Dave Koz, Simply Three and many others.​In addition to his career and passions in live concerts, Parker has aspirations of helping people create the life they dream of. No matter what life throws your way, as he would say, “You Got This”!
Erik Parker
Co-Founder & Advisor
STAFF

Originally from Nashville, TN, Chris Lisle has over 33 years experience in the entertainment industry. He has worked in a variety of roles including Production Designer, Lighting Designer, Production Manager, and Show Producer. Some of Chris’ clients have include: Alice Cooper, Robert Plant, Brooks and Dunn, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, Parker McCollum, Judah and the Lion, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, The NFL Draft, Miranda Lambert, One Republic, Dave Koz, Danny Gokey, Sugarland, Billy Currington, Peter Frampton, Nick Carter, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Chris Young, Jennifer Nettles, Lee Brice, Kip Moore, Chase Rice, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, IEBA, Sara Evans, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Ann Womack, Phil Vassar, The Recording Academy (Grammy’s), and many others.
Chris is the co-founder and Executive Director of ECCHO Live (formerly Touring Career Workshop), a non-profit that serves as “Human Resources for Live Event Professionals”. Chris is a former adjunct instructor at Belmont University, teaching classes on Production Design and Tour/Production Management.
Chris is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Music, and is a member of the CMA, ACM, and the ESA (Event Safety Alliance). Chris currently serves as a Board Member for both the CMA’s and ACM’s.
In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and children relaxing on the water at Tims Ford Lake in TN.

Kara J. Kemp is a dynamic and multifaceted leader blending creativity, coaching, and community impact. As owner of Kara Kemp Coaching and co-producer of the Bloom Stage, she helps individuals and teams thrive through storytelling and collaboration. Her diverse career spans business management, performing arts, and over a decade as a Dega Catering crew chief, working with iconic musicians like Bob Dylan, Justin Timberlake and Keith Urban.
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With the motto "Don't shrink. Bloom," Kara inspires growth and resilience through a whole-brain coaching approach. A passionate advocate for the arts, she has served as the Murfreesboro Performing Arts Laureate, been recognized as one of Nashville's Business Women of Influence, and leads transformative wellness retreats in Rugby, TN.
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Kara is excited to bring her passion and expertise to her role as part-time General Manager of ECCHO Live, blending her skills in leadership, creativity, and community engagement to make a meaningful impact in the industry she loves. Beyond her professional endeavors, she’s known for crafting delicious cocktails, hosting impromptu kitchen dance-offs (though her husband still won’t admit defeat), and inspiring others to live boldly, creatively, and fully.

Kasey Cleckler is an executive performance coach and consultant who has over twenty years of experience in the entertainment industry. She is the founder of Cape + Anchor as an executive performance coaching venture specializing in working with leaders and creators in the music industry.
Kasey graduated from the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University and later earned a master’s degree from Lipscomb University in Organizational Leadership focusing on Strategic Leadership and Performance Coaching.
She has worked in many different aspects of the entertainment industry honing her skills in business management, touring, artist management, and record label operations. Her diverse background provides a unique and valuable perspective which she uses to lead her business and guide her clients.
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Kasey is involved in numerous organizations in the Nashville community. She is currently servicing as the All Access On Site Coordinator for TCW. She is on the executive board for SOURCE Nashville (Secretary) and is a dedicated member of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Troubadour Advisory Council. She is a proud alumni of the Society of Leaders in Development, Women’s Music Business Association, and Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She has been a featured speaker in panels and curriculum for organizations such as Country Music Association, Touring Career Workshop, and Belmont University. With a heart for helping children in her community, Kasey volunteered as a wish granter with Make-A-Wish for five years and was a member of the Young Leaders Board for Make-A-Wish of Middle Tennessee for three of those years. She was a member of the 2022 class of Nashville Emerging Leaders and graduated from the TNT Leadership program as part of the Middle Tennessee Leadership Institute. She currently volunteers at Triple Dasch Equestrian Center caring for retired race horses and learning the practice of equine-based therapeutic programs.