SATURDAY STAFF STORIES:
NATALIE LARSEN
Q: How long have you been with MCG Jazz?
A: Technically I've been a part of the Jazz team since 2017. I started as an intern, then became Administrative Assistant in 2018, left in 2021 to pursue a Master's, and returned full time in May 2024.
Q: What do you do at MCG Jazz?
A: As Operations Manager, a big part of my job is event logistics - scheduling, budgeting, arranging hotels, security, dressing rooms, catering, etc. My job is to make sure things run as smoothly and efficiently as possible whether we're doing a concert, an educational program, or a production rental. If we're producing something at another location, I coordinate with our partners to make sure everything is set in place. Basically, whenever Marty figures out what we're doing artistically, I figure out how we're doing it. Aside from events, I manage day-to-day admin things like financial reports, managing rentals, and tracking CD sales for our label. I also play a hand in some marketing and fundraising tasks like planning out social media posts, creating content, and helping to develop an individual giving campaign.
Q: Do you have a mentor? If so, tell us about them.
A: Dr. Brett Crawford was my professor and research supervisor in the Master of Arts Management program at Carnegie Mellon. She's absolutely amazing and brilliant and helped me develop a much broader perspective on the performing arts and its role in society. I learned a lot from Dr. Crawford about the intersection of arts, technology, and community, as well as the arts' role in promoting equity and inclusion. Big shoutout to her for helping me grow into an arts manager!
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
A: Collaborating with smart, hard-working people who are passionate about the arts, both within MCG and through partnerships with other organizations. I've been lucky to meet so many people in this industry from all sorts of backgrounds and be able to exchange ideas with them. Pittsburgh has a great arts community and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.
Q: Tell us a surprising or a fun fact about you.
A: I've been playing guitar since I was 14. I have a Bachelor's in Music Performance and have explored different styles of rock, classical, and jazz!
Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
A: Music is sort of the center of my life. I love going to see live music of all kinds, browsing record stores, and playing guitar in my spare time. I also love running, yoga, hiking, exploring all the cool artsy things Pittsburgh has to offer, and spending quality time with my partner, my friends, and my two cats.
Q: What type of jazz is your favorite to listen to/play?
A: As a guitar player, I'm biased toward anything guitar-heavy/focused. But I enjoy anything that crosses over into other genres like Latin, funk, soul, and rock.
Q: What is something that has surprised you about working at MCG Jazz?
A: School of Swing always surprises me in the best way. I love seeing students light up as they dance along and get into the music. I always see a tangible difference in their energy before and after the program. They leave livelier and more excited than before. Knowing that we made a positive impact on them is probably one of the most rewarding things about this job.
Q: Who is an artist you want to see perform at MCG Jazz and why?
A: There are so many but I'd have to say on the top of my list are Charlie Hunter, Bill Frisell, Julian Lage, Chris Thile, Kamasi Washington, and Esperanza Spalding.