Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Spencer C. Graves

Spencer C. Graves

Production Manager / Live Audio Engineer / Tour Manager
New York,NY

Summary

Innovative, strategic and resourceful talent, tour and production management leader with expertise in producing small, intimate concerts to multi-million dollar, dynamic entertainment experiences on behalf of world-renowned artists and global brands.

A trusted advisor in the entertainment industry who has the ability to employ a respectable and direct approach in high stress, fast paced environments to mobilize production teams to advance all plans for events while meeting needs of the show, performer and propelling brand interests. Possesses an in-depth knowledge of live events.

Talented Production Manager proficient in schedule, inventory and team management. Versed in quality assurance, purchasing and administration of production operations. Offering 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing and production environments.

Expertise in:
Artist Management | Production Management | Live Audio Engineering | Tour Management | Brand Partnerships
Creative Strategy | Operations and Logistics | Experiential Activations | Client Relations | Budgeting
Staffing Contract Negotiations | Multimedia Management | Vendor Management

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Production Manager

Brooklyn Bowl
Brooklyn, NY
07.2021 - Current
  • Oversee all aspects of production and show running at venue.
  • Serve as liaison between artists and advance all rider needs within limitations of contract and venue.
  • Coordinate multi-show builds multiple times per week.
  • Responsible for reviewing emergency procedures and enforcing rules and regulations designed to prevent security problems or safety hazards.
  • Manages all aspects of production department including scheduling, load-ins, load-outs, settlement, and maintenance of production gear.

Live Audio Engineer | Stage Manager

Sony Hall
New York, NY
03.2019 - 12.2020
  • Perform various setups, tear downs and mixing for various shows.
  • Set up, maintain, and operate audio equipment and performed troubleshooting and audio system breakdown.
  • Perform sound quality checks and front-of-house mixing to maintain company sound system.
  • Demonstrate respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.

Production Manager / FOH Sound Engineer / Monitor Sound Engineer / Tour, Manager / DJ

Independent Contractor
New York, NY
09.2005 - Current
  • Sound Engineer and Tour Manager for several tours, events & shows including tours within Republic of Georgia, Russia, Africa, Japan, Netherlands, Italy, France, Sweden, and United States. Traveled to over 50 countries with clients.
  • Control microphones, sound levels and outputs to produce high-quality tracks for variety of clients.
  • Perform site surveys to determine and design appropriate setup and audio equipment needs for various types of live events.
  • Perform sound quality checks and front-of-house mixing.
  • Mix voices, music and taped sound effects for live performances and pre-recorded events.
  • Clients include Busta Rhymes, Roy Hargrove, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, The Lox, DJ Cassidy, Fader Magazine, Samsung, Pepsi, Doritos, Chivas Regal, William Paterson University, St Paul Baptist Church, Ujima Productions, Wizard Studios Global Events, Thompson Hotels, Fred Hammond, John Pizzarelli, Bucky Pizzarelli, George Winston, Richie Havens, Barry Harris, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Freddy Cole.

Senior Producer

iDEKO Productions
New York, NY
06.2019 - 08.2019
  • Planned and executed day-to-day aspects for assigned projects.
  • Managed overall flow of work, tasks and approvals from client requests to final delivery.
  • Managed production team, labor, vendors, strategic partners, and internal team to ensure clear communication.
  • Kept clients and account team aware and accountable to deliverables and timelines.
  • Capable of delegating authority, while maintaining oversight on assigned tasks delivery.
  • Developed and managed project plans and work schedules with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
  • Identified needs that clients may not recognize and ensure approaches and solutions are linked to objectives and future needs.
  • Developed strong and effective partnerships with creative and technical production team members.
  • Assisted in preparation and management of production budgets.
  • Responsible for organizing and collating all production-related materials related to specific events (including, but not limited to, permits, ROS, production schedules, vendor information, and onsite contact sheets).
  • Managed load-ins, load-outs and on-site teams.
  • Technical expertise and direction.
  • Edited all content before publishing it or sending it to clients.
  • Implemented processes that would shave valuable time off of complex projects.
  • Managed projects encompassing 20 employees with flexible, interactive approach.
  • Inventoried production supplies.

Production Manager

Blue Note Entertainment Group, The Blue Note / Sony Hall / BB King Blues Club / Highline Ballroom
New York, NY
02.2017 - 02.2019
  • Liaison between venue and artist to ensure all production needs are met.
  • Make sure that everything is in working order at venue and that all show needs are being met.
  • Responsible for solving any production issues that may arise at any given point in show timeline.
  • Develop and foster relationships with artist, tour crew, artist management, venues and other parties.
  • Oversee load-in and load-out of show from artists, vendors and all that apply.
  • In addition to managing production crew by interfacing and making production arrangements, creating production crew schedules, diffusing employee relation situations and conflict resolution, review, approve and submit payroll for production staff.
  • Working knowledge of technical aspects of concert production, ability to solve logistical and technical problems including staging, lighting, sound, proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), previous management experience with emphasis on resolution management, works well under pressure and in fast-paced situation.
  • Monitored and supported progress of plant production orders by managing shop capacity and loading functions at 2 facilities.
  • Planned, organized and managed operations, including ordering materials and supplies, workflow management and timely production.
  • Hired and cross-trained staff members for various event-specific functions and assessed employees' understanding of associated processes and procedures.
  • Directed key personnel in correct production techniques to achieve required quality.

Operations Manager / Engineer

WBGO - Newark Public Radio, Inc
Newark, NJ
08.2002 - 04.2006
  • Responsible for daily operations of offices and studios and remote broadcasts.
  • Oversaw technical aspects of remote broadcasts including provisioning of ISDN, POTS, ISP, etc. for uplink to satellite over NPR satellite system
  • Managed technical aspects of computers, networking, telephone systems, PBX, satellite downlink, transmitter, web, streaming audio, quality control of on-air, FCC compliance, studio and remote music recording and broadcasting.
  • Maximized productivity and management systems by establishing specific goals and managing operations.
  • Organized preventive maintenance to reduce downtime or production delays.
  • Spearheaded department training for appraisals of new components.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Radio/TV/Film, Audio Engineering & Production

HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Washington DC

Associate of Arts - Audio Recording And Production

INSTITUTE OF AUDIO RESEARCH
New York, NY

Skills

  • Writing
  • Production Planning
  • Communication Skills
  • Budgeting
  • Crew Morale
  • Booking Travel
  • Provide Mentorship
  • Excellent Problem Solving Skills
  • Production Deadlines
  • Production Management

Additional Information

  • Willing to relocate: Anywhere, Authorized to work in the US for any employer

Timeline

Production Manager

Brooklyn Bowl
07.2021 - Current

Senior Producer

iDEKO Productions
06.2019 - 08.2019

Live Audio Engineer | Stage Manager

Sony Hall
03.2019 - 12.2020

Production Manager

Blue Note Entertainment Group, The Blue Note / Sony Hall / BB King Blues Club / Highline Ballroom
02.2017 - 02.2019

Production Manager / FOH Sound Engineer / Monitor Sound Engineer / Tour, Manager / DJ

Independent Contractor
09.2005 - Current

Operations Manager / Engineer

WBGO - Newark Public Radio, Inc
08.2002 - 04.2006

Bachelor of Arts - Radio/TV/Film, Audio Engineering & Production

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Associate of Arts - Audio Recording And Production

INSTITUTE OF AUDIO RESEARCH
Spencer C. GravesProduction Manager / Live Audio Engineer / Tour Manager