Claes Brondal
Sag Harbor,NY
Summary
Innovative and strategic event production leader with over 15 years of experience in live event programming, venue management, donor engagement, and cultural event production. Proven track record in curating world-class performances, securing sponsorships, managing substantial budgets, and delivering seamless live, hybrid, and digital experiences for high-profile organizations. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, fostering community partnerships, and negotiating contracts to create impactful, financially sustainable events. Passionate about integrating music, arts, and business strategy to elevate brand engagement and audience experiences.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder, Executive Director & Host
Winter Jazz Series
01.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: A festival presenting concerts at premier venues in the Hamptons from January through March
- Manage all festival logistics, including venue selection, artist curation, and sponsorship procurement, for the Winter Jazz Series, a festival presenting concerts at premier venues in the Hamptons from January through March
- Lead contract negotiations with vendors, venues, and performers, optimizing costs and securing high-quality production services
- Develop and execute bespoke donor cultivation events and networking opportunities to drive festival growth and financial sustainability
- A festival presenting concerts at premier venues in the Hamptons from January through March
Founder, Executive Director & Host
Hamptons JazzFest
01.2020 - Current
- Company Overview: Founded and lead Hamptons JazzFest, a year-round festival featuring performances by international and emerging artists, bringing world-class jazz, Latin, and world music to the East End of Long Island
- Founded and lead Hamptons JazzFest, a year-round festival featuring 35+ performances by international and emerging artists, bringing world-class jazz, Latin, and world music to the East End of Long Island
- Manage all aspects of event production, including programming, sponsorship development, and financial management, ensuring responsible financial planning and maximizing funding efficiency
- Develop and secure corporate sponsorships, donor funding, and foundation grants, driving long-term festival sustainability
- Negotiate contracts with venues, artists, production teams, and vendors, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high production standards
- Lead cross-functional teams in marketing, production, logistics, and audience engagement, ensuring event execution aligns with organizational goals
- Cultivate and strengthen relationships with high-profile arts institutions, community stakeholders, and government agencies
- Spearhead donor cultivation events and VIP networking experiences, increasing fundraising potential and audience engagement
- Analyze audience engagement and event data to optimize programming strategies and enhance visitor experiences
- Founded and lead Hamptons JazzFest, a year-round festival featuring performances by international and emerging artists, bringing world-class jazz, Latin, and world music to the East End of Long Island
Founder & President
The Jam Session, Inc.
01.2009 - Current
- Company Overview: Established The Jam Session, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) production and education arts organization dedicated to bringing diverse groups together through live jazz, Latin, and world music performances
- Established The Jam Session, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) production and education arts organization dedicated to bringing diverse groups together through live jazz, Latin, and world music performances
- Produce over 85 annual events, including curated donor experiences, public performances, and artist residencies, fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment
- Develop and execute fundraising campaigns, securing financial support from corporate sponsors, government grants, and philanthropic organizations
- Establish strategic partnerships with leading cultural institutions, including: Haitian Cultural Exchange, SmallsLIVE Foundation, Keyed Up!, Jazz Foundation of America, Jazz at Lincoln Center
- Produce and host 'JazzFest Radio Hour,' a weekly radio program featuring live recordings and interviews with jazz artists, broadcast on WLIW-FM 88.3FM
- Lead financial planning, budget development, and expense tracking for all organizational initiatives, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency
- Design and implement marketing and public relations strategies, increasing audience engagement and brand visibility
- Oversee talent booking, contract negotiations, and production logistics, ensuring seamless event execution
- Established The Jam Session, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) production and education arts organization dedicated to bringing diverse groups together through live jazz, Latin, and world music performances
Facilities Manager & Carpenter
John Drew Theater at Guild Hall
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Provided technical production support for live performances, including A/V setup, stage design, and equipment maintenance, ensuring high-quality productions
- Assisted in venue management and front-of-house operations, ensuring optimal guest experiences during performances
Assistant Manager
Starbucks Coffee Company
01.2003 - 12.2012
- Managed high-traffic retail operations, overseeing scheduling, staff training, and customer experience, leading to increased customer satisfaction and sales
- Trained and mentored teams, enhancing customer service standards and optimizing operational efficiency
Skills
- Budget Creation & Financial Oversight
- Venue & Festival Management
- Marketing, Branding & Public Relations
- Client & Donor Relationship Management
- Radio Production & Broadcasting
- Event Production Software & CRM Platforms
- Budgeting & Financial Reporting
Awards Recognition
- First Place, Europ' Jazz Contest, 1995
- Gold Medal, Berlingske Newspaper, 1993
- Recipient of multiple community and government grants for nonprofit arts initiatives, 2012 - 2025
Languages
Danish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Founder, Executive Director & Host
Winter Jazz Series
01.2021 - Current
Founder, Executive Director & Host
Hamptons JazzFest
01.2020 - Current
Facilities Manager & Carpenter
John Drew Theater at Guild Hall
01.2018 - 12.2020
Founder & President
The Jam Session, Inc.
01.2009 - Current
Assistant Manager
Starbucks Coffee Company
01.2003 - 12.2012
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