MEET THE MENTORS

Omar Lodge - Headshot (Square)

OMAR LODGE

Artist Manager | When I Grow Up Management

What do you get when you put an ex-banker and DJ with an entrepreneurial spirit together: a passionate visionary with the skill set to get things done! Omar is a results-driven music executive with just under a decade of experience in the development, marketing, and management of artists.  He is the founder and principal artist manager at When I Grow Up Management - a boutique artist management company based in Toronto, ON.

Having worked across various genres as an artist manager - Folk, EDM, Finger-Style, Hip-Hop, Soca, Afrobeats and Country - Omar has a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in the music release cycle, booking and international tour management, sync, brand partnerships, grants/funding and more.  Fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish, Omar navigates the global music scene with a unique perspective and is passionate about helping artists connect with diverse audiences while also fostering cross-cultural collaborations.  As a seasoned grant writer, Omar has successfully secured more than $2.5 million dollars in provincial and federal artist funding in Canada over the last 5 years.

Prior to joining the music industry, Omar worked in banking in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands at one of the top financial institutions in the world.  Doing everything from project management to co-managing a $2B International Lending Portfolio, he gained strong analytical and problem-solving skills while honing his natural ability to develop and maintain relationships.

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IAN ST.ARNAUD

Articling Accountant | St.Arnaud Pinsent Steman CPA's

Ian St.Arnaud is an accountant specializing in the arts and culture sector, with over four years of public accounting experience at his family firm, St.Arnaud Pinsent Steman CPAs in Edmonton. An articling CPA student, he also brings nearly a decade of experience as a songwriter, performer, and touring artist.  

 

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BYRON PASCOE

Entertainment Lawyer | Edwards Creative Law

Byron Pascoe is an entertainment lawyer and partner with Edwards Creative Law. Byron focuses on music law and works with recording artists, producers, managers, music service businesses and festivals. Before law school, he was a television and new media producer. Based in Ottawa, Byron works with clients across Canada. He is also a board member of CityFolk, and member of Music BC and CARAS, Byron was awarded the Impact Award at the inaugural Ottawa Music Awards.

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JESS L'HEURUEX

Live Production & Artists Management | Stampede Entertainment

Jess has built her career in the live music industry through a combination of professional experience, volunteer work, and a persistent passion for live events. As the Entertainment and Production Lead at Stampede Entertainment Inc. (SEI), Jess plays a key role in concert booking at The King Eddy, and in production management for the Calgary Stampede and Folk on the Rocks.
In addition to her work with SEI, Jess manages artists Julia Vos and Robert Adam, helping to shape their careers and amplify their presence on national and international stages. Previously, as Program Manager at Alberta Music, Jess led showcase and export initiatives, as well as educational and networking events. Before that, she spent five years as the Assistant Manager of Events and Programming at The Gateway, where she promoted and stage-managed live performances.
When she's not at a concert, Jess can be found exploring Alberta and B.C. with her dog, Reno. The two are always on the lookout for the perfect bite to eat or Instagram shot.