Cheri Jamison Consulting

05/14/2026

I recently wrote about what surprised me most when I started running a music venue.

I thought I understood the fundamentals after years as a working artist. What I didn’t fully understand yet was the business model.

One realization kept coming into focus: live music isn’t the product. Attention is.

That shift changed how I think about programming, audience behavior, artist opportunities, and public funding. If both earned revenue and grants are unstable, then public investment becomes part of the core infrastructure that helps keep cultural spaces alive.

I share more reflections in the full article below.

If you work in music or the arts, I’d be curious what has surprised you most in your experience.

I thought I understood the fundamentals. I had been a working artist for years. I believed that if you programmed great work and built strong relationships, the rest would follow. What I didn’t fully understand yet was the business model. One realizatio

04/27/2026

If you’ve tried to buy a concert ticket lately, you know how frustrating it’s become. Oregon is stepping in with new laws aimed at bots, deceptive practices, and speculative ticketing—but will they actually change the experience for fans, artists, and venues?

Host Anthony Messano is joined by Jimi Biron (McMenamins) and Kevin Erickson (Future of Music Coalition) to explore what these reforms get right, where they fall short, and what it might really take to fix the system.

https://p.ftur.io/prpfm/3245

Stumptown Soundcheck is a co-op podcast between MusicPortland and Portland Radio Project.

This podcast in collaboration with Music Portland‘s Policy Council will provide a comprehensive examination of Portland’s music community, addressing the challenges faced by local musicians, venue owners, and other stakeholders.

04/16/2026

I’ve been reflecting on what my Executive Director experience revealed about how arts organizations actually function day to day. The gap between strategy and operational reality is larger than many funders and leaders realize.

In this month’s article, I share several lessons that reshaped how I think about sustainability in the arts.

After my time leading Alberta Abbey, I’ve been taking a step back to reflect on what it actually takes to sustain an arts organization right now. Not in theory, but in practice.

10/19/2025

No Kings protest in Vancouver, WA

10/02/2025

A New Chapter for Me and Alberta Abbey - https://mailchi.mp/37d44a0189a9/oct2025

08/08/2025

Celebrating Wins - https://mailchi.mp/4c26146e3c5e/aug2025

05/07/2025

Birthdays… “it’s not a day to celebrate progress anyway... It’s a day to celebrate existence.” ~Emily Henry, Funny Story

I’m not on FB (or any social media) much these days, so feel free to text or send me a direct message instead if you want to catch up!

In a nutshell: it’s been a hard but great year… Still loving living in the PNW, landed my first CEO/Executive Director job, got to vacation in the Bahamas last month (pic below), and am working with a great team in my preferred field of the Arts running a nonprofit performing arts venue, Alberta Abbey. Working too hard, I admit, so taking today off just to exist.

Much love to you all!

04/24/2025

🎨 Calling all Vancouver, WA artists, creatives, and local businesses! 🌟

Join us to explore funding opportunities and connect with fellow cultural advocates in our city. Advocacy plays a vital role in strengthening our local creative economy—your voice matters!

RSVP here: https://secure.everyaction.com/8PaMHrTw7UiEeZrOrkaW3A2

📣 Presented by Inspire Washington, our statewide cultural advocacy organization championing arts, heritage, and science across Washington.

Let’s build a stronger, more vibrant creative community—together! 💪🎭🎶

03/17/2025

Exciting Updates & An Upcoming Workshop - https://mailchi.mp/33366b879c53/mar2025

02/28/2025

Attention Creatives in SW Washington! Join your creative community for a FREE workshop, lunch and networking on Sat, March 22.

Learn how to navigate the business side—without losing your artistic spark!

"Business Essentials for Creatives" is a dynamic, one-day workshop designed specifically for creatives like you. Whether you're selling your art, booking gigs, or launching a creative brand, this event will give you the tools to succeed in today’s creative economy.

👉 Spots are limited—RSVP now to secure yours!

(If you're from Portland and surrounding areas, you are welcome!)

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Offered in partnership by Cheri Jamison Consulting, Fourth Plain Forward, and made possible in part by assistance from the City of Vancouver, Washington Culture, Arts and Heritage Grant Program. Presentations by Kyleen King and The Jeremy Wilson Foundation.

Learn how to navigate the business side—without losing your artistic spark! Free workshop, lunch and networking.