ABOUT US

Chris Lee began his storied career as a station attendant, commissary and catering for Wardair, Canada’s largest chartered airline. In 1978 Chris was looking for a change so he packed his bags and moved from Alberta to his new home of Ontario. Shortly after arriving Chris embarked on his career in the music industry, joining the shipping and receiving team at Warner Music Canada. After an injury forced him from the warehouse to the reception desk, Chris became known as “the voice of Warner” for 30 years. Chris retired in 2007 and, after a brief stint volunteering in the day surgery department of North York General Hospital, decided it was just too soon for retirement. That decision was a lucky turn for TFA, who gladly scooped him up to work reception at the Toronto office. When not sharing his big laughs and memorable turns of phrase with callers and guests, Chris loves to travel as much as possible and has been know to enjoy many of Toronto’s musicals.

The Feldman Agency (TFA) has announced the appointment of Don Simpson as Chief Operating Officer effective immediately.

The Canadian with over 25 years of entertainment experience in the entertainment and show industries was formerly affiliated with AEG Live and was previously EVP, Productions and Business Development for Madison Square Garden.

"We are very excited to have Don Simpson return to Canada to join our expanding team. His business acumen and track record are certain to be a catalyst for TFA," said Jeff Craib, President, The Feldman Agency.

Agency Chairman Sam Feldman added that "we are very fortunate to have Don join the team. His character and experience are a perfect fit for our continued growth (and) relationships and resources will provide tremendous added value for our distinguished talent roster,"

As the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for MCA Concerts Canada, Simpson started the company in 1990 and was instrumental in transforming the company into the dominant concert promoter in the market.

Through the company name changes to Universal Concerts Canada and the House of Blues Concerts Canada, Simpson, as President of the Canadian operations designed, built and managed Toronto’s Molson Amphitheatre (now Budweiser Stage) in 1995, as well as the negotiation to operate and renovate The Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver in 1999.

"I am honoured to be joining TFA as I have known, worked with and highly respected Sam Feldman, Jeff Craib and Vinny Cinquemani for over 27 years,” Simpson said at the announcement.

“Even while living in New York City for the past decade I have followed the Canadian music scene, and I am thrilled to be back here to work with all the great people at The Feldman Agency, their incredible roster of artists, and all my old friends in the industry," said Don Simpson.

With offices in Toronto and Vancouver, TFA’s business interests include artist representation, talent, booking, event services and corporate consulting. Its rosters of worldwide artists includes Alessia Cara, Bryan Adams, Daniel Caesar, Hedley, Johnny Reid, Michael Bublé, The Tragically Hip, and Sarah McLachlan.

Biography:

Jason began his career in politics after graduating with an honours degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario. But after working as a youth co-chair for former Deputy Prime Minister John Manley for a while he realized he was not completely satisfied with his path. Jason shifted gears and enrolled in the Harris Institute for the Arts, where he graduated with a certificate in Recording Arts Management. In 2006, he joined the TFA team where he is responsible for an active artist roster which includes Coleman Hell, BADBADNOTGOOD, Skratch Bastid, Ron James, Tom Green, Shawn Desman and many more. Jason is often called upon to share his expertise either as a music news commentator for CBC or as a conference panelist for Canadian Music Week, Music Nova Scotia amongst others.. When Jason isn’t wearing his agent hat, he can be found volunteering his time at Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto or partaking in activities that feed his passion for fitness and sports.

Biography:

Jay was always driven towards a career in the music industry. He studied business and marketing in his native city of Windsor while crossing the border into Motor City for his internship at Live Nation. While completing his education, he earned enough income to cover his tuition by booking and promoting shows throughout Ontario. Ultimately, he made his way to Full Sail University in Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Business in 2010. After completing his studies, Jay returned to Canada to join the TFA team in 2011 where he supported company president Jeff Craib. In that role worked on special projects such as the Molson Canadian promotional event Live at the Lake featuring Eric Church and started as a member of the talent buying team for the Grey Eagle Casino & Resort in Calgary, a role he remains in today. In 2015, Jay was promoted to agent where he has been focusing his attention on sourcing emerging talent including acts like Fine Times and Pigeon Park, representing such multi-platinum artists as Bliss N Eso and Hilltop Hoods and developing rock acts such as Art of Dying and Pop Evil. In addition to music, Jay is also an avid Porsche aficionado and a die-hard Detroit Lions fan.

Watch Jay in "A Day in the Life: Booking Agent."

Biography:

Twenty-five year music industry veteran Jeff Craib has a career that spans hundreds of artists, thousands of shows and international recognition and respect from his peers.
As President of The Feldman Agency, Jeff’s enthusiasm has always stemmed from his work as an agent. Jeff’s vast industry knowledge, passion for artist development, keen eye for marketing and touring expertise gives him the advantage and ability to plan and execute any type of live event for any type of audience. What makes Jeff’s roster strong is its diversity. His dexterity for developing bands and artists of all genres and configurations has played a key role in shaping the sound of popular music for over 25 years. He continues to oversee the careers of such legendary talents as The Tragically Hip, Nelly Furtado, Paul Anka and developing acts such as Alessia Cara, Scott Helman and Francesco Yates. Jeff currently sits on the Board of Directors for CARAS. MusiCounts and ARHT Media.

This past June, Jeff Craib told Billboard Magazine`s Karen Bliss his favourite places to conduct business.

Biography:

Native to Toronto, Jen Bluestein is a creative and driven music professional with extensive knowledge and experience in live touring, festivals, merchandise, corporate events and special projects. Jen spent four years studying in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia and three years working at Paradigm in New York before she moved back to Toronto to join the team at The Feldman Agency. In her position, Jen works directly with casinos across the country, as well as with a variety of dynamic series including the Kee to Bala, Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre, First Canadian Place, Friday Night Live at the Royal Ontario Museum, and Canadian Heritage Events. Jen also captains many of TFA’s special projects, a list highlighted by the inaugural concert at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Molson Canadian’s Live at the Lake contest, lululemon’s SeaWheeze Sunset Festival and The Dilawri Foundation’s Bliss Ball fundraiser. Jen is proud to have worked on such monumental tours as The Tragically Hip (Man Machine Poem Tour, Fully Completely Tour, Now For Plan A Tour), Alessia Cara (Know-It-All Tour) and Mother Mother (No Culture Tour, Very Good Bad Thing Tour, Sticks Tour).

Biography:

When reviewing Joe’s history, it seems as if he was destined for a career in music. He’s studied music performance, psychology, theory and business since high school, first attending a private music boarding school outside of Los Angeles and then on to Montreal to study Music Research at McGill University where he ultimately earned his Bachelor of Music. After graduating, Joe mined his contacts on both sides of the border in search for the right place to start his career. An L.A. connection recommended he check out The Feldman Agency, which turned out to be a perfect fit. Joe joined Feldman in 2013 and is currently engaged in actively scouting and developing emerging artists spanning a variety of genres.

Biography:

Since joining TFA in 2011, booking agent Joel Baskin has developed a diverse, wide-ranging roster of acts. Throughout that time he has constantly adapted his services to meet their ongoing needs, an approach predicated by his desire to create custom built solutions for his artists. This approach is one Joel has applied consistently over his nine years in the industry, first as founder and president of The Pilot Agency (TPA) and now at TFA. Founded in Ottawa in 2006, TPA swiftly became one of Canada’s fastest-growing boutique talent and event design agencies, offering services including booking, publicity, tour/personal management and event design. With TFA, Joel works with a diverse group of emerging and established artists, among them Kira Isabella, K.I.D., Tim Hicks, The Stellas, Tim Chaisson, The Beaches, Courage My Love, Three Days Grace and USS. He has been instrumental in helping them expand their reach both domestically and internationally. A key driver in Joel’s success is the emphasis he places on treating every challenge presented by the changing climate of the music industry as an untapped resource for fresh growth and actively searching out opportunities for his artists, or in their absence, creating those opportunities himself. Over time, Joel has built strong relationships with international management companies, promoters and labels in order to increase his artist’s profile and business overall. As ever, Joel is committed to upgrading his skills and knowledge of the industry and is currently working towards a Digital Marketing Management Certificate from the University of Toronto.

Biography:

As an avid concertgoer and music listener, Josie was intrigued by a career in music. She enrolled in Durham College’s Entertainment Administration program where she learned the business fundamentals of record labels, live music, music publishing, artist management and event production. After graduating, Josie joined the operations team at MapleMusic.com where she worked on various projects including VIP programs for numerous tours by Canadian musicians. After eight years at Maple, Josie needed a change. Leaning on the experience and relationships she developed in the touring world while working on those VIP programs, Josie landed at The Feldman Agency in 2014. Since then she’s been working to develop the careers of Joel Plaskett, Royal Wood, Jill Barber and many. When at home, Josie likes to spend quality time with the loves of her life, her cats Dexter and Luna… and maybe a bit with her husband too.

Originally from Thornhill ON, Kathleen Reid moved to Halifax, NS to study Arts at Dalhousie University, graduating with a degree in Writing. Throughout her time at Dalhousie she became involved with the Student Union taking on the event based role of Vice President Student Life, sitting on the University Board of Governors, and eventually becoming the President of the Dalhousie Student Union. She brings her expertise in entertainment and events to TFA from booking Dalhousie’s annual music festival, and heading up events like TEDx.

Biography:

Olivia has always enjoyed the challenges and intricacies of the music industry. Before making TFA her professional home, she spent time working for a publicist, an international production company and a local promoter. She even delved into the London, Ontario nightclub scene while studying at the University of Western Ontario. In 1998, she joined the TFA team as a Junior Agent, working under the tutelage of agents Richard Mills and George Elmes. Olivia quickly proved her mettle and worked her way up the ladder. In 2013, Olivia was named TFA’s Director of Operations where she manages special events and projects, develops national tours and oversees all aspects of administration out of TFA’s Toronto office. Olivia has worked on a variety of marquee projects, in conjunction with TFA President Jeff Craib, including the One Night Live™ fundraiser concerts at Air Canada Centre for Sunnybrook Foundation, the events surrounding the Canadian Football League’s 100th Grey Cup game, introduction of integrated mixed martial arts in Ontario with MFC 29: Conquer at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor and producing the ONtour Concert series summer 2017, celebrating Ontario`s 150th on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport. Teaming up with Agent/Senior Vice President Vinny Cinquemani, Olivia works with some of Canada’s most notable artists including Amanda Marshall, Andee, Bryan Adams, Burton Cummings, Dala, David Wilcox, Finger Eleven, Holly Cole, Jann Arden, Johnny Reid, Jojo Mason, Kim Mitchell, Meghan Patrick, Michael Bublé, Michelle Wright, Our Lady Peace, Robby Johnson, Sarah McLachlan, Simple Plan, Sloan, and Tom Cochrane.

Biography:

Tom Kemp was looking for direction after graduating from Dalhousie University with his Bachelor of Arts degree. After a well-timed offer to help his good friend, Ian Thornley, load gear on a few club dates, Tom realized his love of music was opening the door to his new career. Since then, Tom has done stints as Big Wreck`s tour manager, A&R and Promotions at Shoreline Records and the Management Assistant to the President at Motorjam Records. In 1998, Tom joined the team at The Feldman Agency. Since then, Tom has dedicated his energies to supporting and building the careers of musicians at every stage of their careers including Alvvays, Daniel Caesar, Coleman Hell, Ria Mae, Steven Page, Joel Plaskett, Classified, , The Glorious Sons and Magic!, to name just a few. Tom Kemp was recognized for his contribution to the success at The Feldman Agency by being named the Vice President in 2015. When he’s not working, Tom is an avid runner.

Biography:

Honored repeatedly as Canada`s booking agent of the year, Vinny joined The Feldman Agency in 1994 as Vice-President Artist Relations and was named President of the agency division in April 1996. He is one of Canada`s most experienced agents, for over two decades he has worked closely with leading acts like Rush, Our Lady Peace, I Mother Earth, Sarah McLachlan, Amanda Marshall, and Tom Cochrane. Vinny started out in music as a singer and songwriter, before getting into the agency business. He grew up listening to British Invasion imports like The Who and Pretty Things, and can recount memorable concert experiences from that era such as seeing Bob Dylan pass the hat after a performance at Gerdes Folk City in Greenwich Village or catching a pre-Experience Jimi Hendrix in guitar-shredding overdrive at Café Wah? A passionate supporter of Canadian music, Vinny`s love of the creative spirit and respect for working musicians is evident in his long-term artist relationships.

After a stint working on events in various capacities, Amanda got her start in the music industry working for the provincial music association, Music BC, where she worked in an executive role for seven years. In 2009, Amanda joined the TFA team in Vancouver, where after working alongside agent Rob Wright, she was been promoted to be an Agent. Amanda has recently started developing her own roster of clients with an emphasis on developing artists, and a focus on booking the TFA roster into PACs and Theatres in Western Canada. Amanda co-founded and co-owns Amazing Factory Productions, a Vancouver based film and video production company she started with her brother, Joseph Schweers, and cousins, Joshua and Andrew Huculiak. Along with the band We Are The City, Amazing Factory produced the feature film, Violent, which has been showcased at film festivals around the world and received numerous awards including the “Best Canadian Film” and “Best British Columbia Film" honours at the 2014 Vancouver Film Festival, as well as eight wins at the 2015 Leo Awards. The company has also produced music videos for a numerous recording artists. Amanda has always been a passionate advocate of the British Columbia music community, and was a member of the MuchFact committee, reviewing grant applications. She spent a few years acting as a manager for We Are The City, and continues her efforts consulting with other acts and industry members to help further their careers. In her free time, she enjoys running away to her family’s lakeside cabin in the Cariboo, and talking and drinking about beer.

Biography:

Jane always had a passion for music and entertainment. In her high school years she spent the majority of her spare time at concerts, daydreaming of what life was like behind the stage. So after a few years working in Whistler, BC when the opportunity to become the receptionist at TFA came her way in 1992, she jumped at the chance. While at her post at the front desk in TFA’s Vancouver office, Jane absorbed every detail of the business that she could. She worked her way up in the company, eventually landing her current gig as Agent where she works with clients like Brent Butt and Spirit of the West. As well as working with her roster of clients, Jane utilizes her long-standing relationships in the Canadian music industry to program talent at several Canadian casinos. Jane sometimes suffers from wanderlust, grabbing her friends and family to travel whenever possible. Palm Springs, California, Europe and her home province of British Columbia are among her favourite destinations.

Rob cut his teeth in the music industry as a touring musician, an Alberta festival and event producer and in A&R for Stony Plain Records. But it was in the role of Talent Buyer for the New City Likwid Lounge that he established strong relationships with TFA’s agents, landing him a job offer with the agency in 2005. He’s found great satisfaction working with both developing acts as well as artists whose stories have spanned decades, helping them build and maintain long lasting careers. Rob also enjoys the challenge of working with non-traditional artists, such as spoken word artist Shane Koyczan, applying live music best practices to different mediums. Rob’s musical volunteer work takes many forms, including his role as a producer of Keithmas, held every year since 2010, which has raised over $40 000 to date for the Vancouver Food Bank. As the Vice President of Solidarity Rock from 2012 to 2017, an artist-run not-for-profit organization that works to partner musicians and artists in Cuba, North America and beyond, Rob helped create international touring opportunities and secure musical equipment for Cuban musicians.

Biography:

Sam Feldman is recognized as one of the top music impresarios in the world and is a seminal figure in the establishment and dramatic international growth of the Canadian music industry. Since founding A&F Music, the parent company of The Feldman Agency, with partner Bruce Allen in 1971, Sam has left an indelible mark on the Canadian and international music scenes. An award-winning talent manager, Sam has worked with some of the world’s most influential artists, including Joni Mitchell, Diana Krall, James Taylor, Bette Midler, Norah Jones, Elvis Costello, Sarah McLachlan and many others. He has bolstered the careers of hundreds of A-list Canadian artists during 40+ years at the helm of The Feldman Agency, which has grown from humble beginnings into Canada’s first and largest full-service entertainment agency. Sam has combined his deep love for music with an intuitive understanding of the business challenges faced by artists seeking to build sustainable careers in Canada and internationally.

Watch this in-depth interview with Sam , thanks to our friends at ArtistsHousemMusic.org.

Suzanne is the voice of TFA’s Vancouver office, where she’s been the office manager and receptionist since 1997. She’ll always credit her close relationship with her fellow TFA team members as her absolute favourite part of the job but following very close behind is the many unique opportunities she has been exposed to through the years. She’s volunteered for countless charity events like Voices In the Park, the outdoor concert to benefit the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, An Evening with Diana Krall and Friends, a benefit for the Vancouver General Hospital Foundation where she got to meet music legends Elton John, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall and Elvis Costello as well as former US president Bill Clinton all in one night, and for the Sarah McLachlan School of Music Find You Voice Christmas song project, a collaboration with Sarah and the school’s students. She has also volunteered her time at the Vancouver Jazz Festival and at the Molson Canadian Hockey House at the 2010 Winter Olympics. She’s also worked the door for two surprise shows that The Tragically Hip did in a small pub in Whistler, BC, where she reveled in seeing the reactions of unsuspecting audience members and had the pleasure to meet and spend time out with one of her musical favs – Bryan Adams. Suzanne feels lucky to be a part of it all. When not working and volunteering, Suzanne loves to spend time with her family, fur babies and her extensive roster of amazing friends.

Biography:

Vesna got her start in the music industry in the concert promoting and event management fields. Working for various promoters, she toured with the likes of Bryan Adams, George Jones, and many others. At TFA, Vesna is responsible for an extensive roster of notable artists such as Colin James, Chantal Kreviazuk, Diana Krall, Melody Gardot, Chris Botti, Pink Martini and numerous others. Vesna tirelessly finds performance opportunities for her many clients domestically and has been involved with identifying and developing international work including SE Asia and South America. With her comprehensive background in event production, Vesna also works with many corporate and private partners, booking and producing events, parties and customized programs. Some recent noteworthy projects include booking and producing events with world-renowned artists Journey, Jason Mraz, Sting and Red Hot Chilli Peppers. In addition to her passion for music, Vesna loves to travel and has explored destinations such as Cambodia, Guatemala, Argentina, Spain, Turkey and Morocco, to name just a few. She is likely planning another trip right now!