Kali Bateman is a College fourth-year majoring in Computer Science. Over the past two years, she has worked at various high-caliber performance venues around Ohio. Recently, she began working behind the scenes as a VIP Assistant for such locations, with her two most recent shows being Conan Gray and Cardi B.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Tell me about your experience working as a VIP assistant.
I’ve been working as an assistant for a few months now. I haven’t done an insane amount of shows, but I’ve done some really exciting ones like Cardi B and Conan Gray. Basically, that entails setting up the VIP experience for the people who buy that — handing out the different merch bags and whatnot, and also occasionally facilitating meet-and-greets.
What does your typical shift look like? It seems pretty stressful.
It’s so fun. I love it because of how fast-paced it all is. It makes nights go by so quickly. Sometimes it’s really chill and you’ll just be hanging out, waiting for the people to get in the building. You get there and set up the VIP lounge experience, then hand people their VIP package and direct them to the lounge. If they have a sound check, you direct them there. After that’s done, it’s usually a few hours of just filtering in all the guests. It’s quite hectic, but you get to talk to a lot of people. Once the VIP lounge is closed, you help tear down and pack everything up and get ready for the next event. Occasionally, some artists will do some stuff after the show, so you’ll have to stay after.
Do you work under the same employer for different gigs, or is it more freelance?
A lot of it is freelance, which is about knowing people.
How did you end up getting involved in this type of work?
I think it was in my sophomore year that I applied for an internship with PromoWest Live. I’ve always loved concerts and live music and wanted to get involved in the business. My dream has always been to be a tour manager.
I worked at PromoWest Live for a bit and did marketing and promotions there; it was super fun to be involved in that and step into the concert industry. Then, last summer, I worked at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and had chats with the VPs. One of them was like, “Oh, hey, I used to be a tour manager,” and I asked about that. So it was a little bit of networking here and there.
The person I chatted with sent me over some people’s contact info who I could talk to, who then sent me more people’s info. Then someone said, “Hey, I met one lady who’s going to be working a show kind of near you. I would love to have you be there to shadow me and see what it’s like.” I worked my way into the different groups to the point where I could be doing this VIP work.
Do you have any particular moments that have stuck with you?
Working with Conan Gray and Chappell Roan. I worked with Chappell a few years ago and it was just really, really fantastic. It’s clear fans have a lot of love and passion for these artists, and working the Chappell show was really special because she had performed in Columbus before she got famous, and there were some people there who were like, “Oh, I’ve loved her since then.” Being able to see all different age ranges come through and be really excited for that was awesome. I remember these little girls dressing up for it and it was just so adorable.
I love the music scene and working in Cleveland in particular. All the performance venues have different histories, and being able to engage with them is so fantastic. Blossom in Cuyahoga Valley, Globe Iron, Jacobs Pavillion — working there, you’re able to see all these different artists engage with Cleveland. The history of music here is really beautiful; obviously, the term “rock and roll” was coined here. Being a part of the Cleveland music scene is super special. So many different people from all walks of life have been a part of this.
Do you ever interact with these artists directly?
Sometimes. You definitely have to be very, very professional; I’m not able to fangirl or anything. Within those meet-and-greet contexts is when you interact with them directly.
I bumped right into Chappell Roan one time while I was putting some things away, which was a really crazy experience. Most of the time, though, it’s very chill and cool. They’re people, too, and I’m here to do a job. Most of the time they’re doing their own little thing backstage. There are so many people who are working at the same time that it’s probably a one-in-100 chance to have an interaction with any performer.
What would you say to people who are interested in doing something like this?
The internship that I started out with, PromoWest Live, was unpaid over the summer, but even then you can work box office or security to just get your foot in the door. I recommend starting out with smaller venues. If you’re in the Cleveland area, we have AEG Presents, House of Blues, even Globe Iron or the Grog Shop. You can work your way up from there. It’s a lot of networking. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and say, “Hey, I’m interested in doing this or that,” because, most of the time, people are really willing to help you and open those doors for you. Just be open to anything, be a hard worker, and eventually you’ll work your way up the ranks — like I am.
