Check Out Hannah Parker’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Parker.

Hi Hannah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a Raleigh-native and deep lover of the Triangle, I always knew I wanted my community to be at the center of the work I did. I began studying at Appalachian State University, diving into a Business + Nonprofit Management degree while working at various nonprofits along the way (but frankly, never getting paid enough). After one too many experiences dumpster diving, I decided it was time to get a decent-paying side hustle.

I picked up a job at a local music venue in Raleigh where I was literally cleaning toilets – and I got to be honest, I loved it. Even when I was elbows-deep in the porcelain bowl, there was live music blasting all around me, and people had an incredible experience. I became immersed in the local music scene, enamored by the community support, and began to realize I also needed music at the center of the work I did.

With time, I moved up in the ranks at the music venue and became an Assistant Event Director with Deep South Entertainment where I planned huge concerts, street festivals, and stage-managed.

Around this time, I was approached by Band Together – a local organization that connects the community to nonprofits through the power of live music. They were looking for a Program Director to assist with nonprofit selection, volunteer management, and planning of their massive benefit concert. It was a perfect marriage of my love for music and my passion for community.

I interviewed, for some reason they liked me, and the rest is history.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth roads are no fun – they make you fall asleep at the wheel!

In all seriousness, it has been a wild ride and I wouldn’t trade any of it. As is the case with everything, especially event planning, things never quite go as planned.

We have had musicians canceling 30-minutes before a show with bronchitis, artists trapped in Miami with flight delays the day of the concert, port-a-potty’s that don’t show up on time, and beer that isn’t cold on hot summer nights.

The joy is that you experience all of it alongside a community. A network of volunteers, donors, nonprofit partners, and audience members who are all rooting for you to succeed.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At all times, I am the Event Director at Band Together. I wear a lot of hats! Some hats I like more than others, but ultimately they’re all great.

I am an event planner; I work alongside a network of volunteers and 1 other staff member to plan shows in the Triangle. Our pride and joy is our annual Main Event– a massive benefit concert at Red Hat Amphitheater that raises over $1 Million for nonprofits in the Triangle — and this year we have two Main Events! We will host two big concerts in October – stay tuned for the band announcements!

I am a promoter; I connect community members with events that are not only fun but meaningful and memorable experiences.

I am a people person; I help manage a team of 100 consistent volunteers who serve our community with their ideas, time, and talents.

I am a fundraiser; I connect companies with causes that speak to them and encourage them to give back to their community. Each year, I work with a team of dedicated awesome people to raise over $1 Million for our community nonprofits.

Part-time, I am a Curator on 95.7 FM That Station. Alongside some incredibly talented people, we’re building a radio station that serves its community, gives back to nonprofits, and steps off the beaten path to provide listeners with a more personal radio experience.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Oh boy. If we’ve all learned anything in the past couple of years, it is that nothing stays the same! Everything is unpredictable! The nonprofit and music industry is adapting and growing and changing in remarkable ways.

I’ve been in awe witnessing the resiliency of our nonprofit community over the past 2 years. The nonprofit landscape was already supportive but has transformed into a deeply collaborative force to be reckoned with. There seems to be a revolutionary understanding that we are not in this alone and we cannot solve problems from just one angle.

Nonprofits are teaming up and partnering to attack issues from all sides, using radical tactics and solutions. It’s absolutely beautiful to watch and I’m thrilled for the next 5-10 years. The Triangle community is in good hands.

The music industry is also taking on new shapes. I am admittedly less excited or hopeful for what’s next but intrigued nonetheless. Local venues are being eaten up and bought out by massive promoters and operators. I worry about our local music scene.

I’m scared DIY spaces will cease to exist and I fear we will lose an integral piece of our Triangle music community. However – I think we’re resilient and folks have a way of rising up when they feel pushed down. Underground scenes and close-knit communities emerge in the most trying times, and I think the Triangle is no different.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: bandtogethernc.org
• Instagram: @nahnahparker
• Other: thatstation.net

Image Credits
Angela Hollowell, Thomas Beck, and Pitch Story Lab