Tastemaker Thursdays

Tastemaker Thursdays are the newest music industry mixer of the Carolinas. Hosted by DJ E Will and held weekly at The Lighthouse, the mixer has the potential to be the best showcase in the triad area (if it’s not already). Truthfully outside of fine-tuning stage presence, most showcases bring zero value to the artists who participate. Because of this, most serious indie artists stay away. With Tastemaker Thursdays however, there are several things that artists can take advantage of.

Why Tastemaker Thursdays?

The first thing that stands out about the showcase is the low overhead. After paying a slight entry fee all artists can perform their first song for free. Secondly, right after the performance, the artist(s) are led to an adjacent room where a brief interview is conducted by Thrive Indie correspondents.

 Third, and the most important benefit at the moment is who the artists are performing for. Label heads, A&Rs, and management companies are all regulars to the Lighthouse and all have something to offer. The Lighthouse itself books independent artists for paid gigs on a semi-weekly basis. Artists like Big Kitty and Carolina’s own Brandez have all rocked the Lighthouse stage in front of healthy crowds.

The Vision

Tastemaker Thursdays are new and not in their final form yet. In the future tables will be specified by profession. That way artists can easily find and network with bloggers, DJs, producers, etc. Cash prizes are also in the mix for those who were voted to have the best performances.

“The vision is for us to create a great experience for people aspiring to get in the music industry, and provide value for artists.”

-AP Lindsay, Owner of the Lighthouse

Lindsay, who himself worked with a major label before going into business for himself understands more than most what artists really need.

“I want to give artists a chance to show what they got, in front of people who matter for their careers. Not just performing in front of other artists.” 

AP Lindsay

Lindsay is uniquely positioned to help just about any up-and-coming artist to get their first serious start. He started Tastemaker Thursdays to give artists everything they would need in one place.

What is the Lighthouse?

The Lighthouse is the newest event center of the triad located on the south side of Greensboro. The venue opened its doors during North Carolina A&T Universities’ homecoming dubbed the ‘Greatest Homecoming on Earth’ or ‘GHOE.” outside of mixers, the Lighthouse has produced several concerts, comedy shows, and festivals during its short time being opened.

Through his non-profit, Triad Youth and Event Center (TYEC) Lindsay hopes to make the Lighthouse not only a place for entertainment but a place where the surrounding community can get help and learn. Prior to the opening of the Lighthouse, the TYEC had already helped several families in years prior by donating food and school supplies to families who needed it. Now he’s set his sights on bringing a STEM program to the community. Beyond Electronics And Numbers or BEAN will be making its official debut in spring 2022.
Want to attend TasteMaker Thursday? Click the link here and get your ticket today.