Maria Brunner

Maria began her career working for over a decade for legendary promoters Jerry Weintraub and Tom Hulett at Concerts West, whose stellar client list included Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys, John Denver, Neil Diamond, Earth, Wind and Fire, and many more.

Dedicated to giving back to the next generation of entertainment industry professionals, in 2002, Maria helped found the entertainment business program at the University of Montana, where she continues to teach and hold an advisory role. Maria has additionally held an advisory board position at California State University’s Entertainment Business Program, where she was a visiting instructor.

Maria’s lifelong commitment to working with the music industry to mobilize and improve the lives of others extends beyond education. Presently, Maria sits on the board for two regional St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital initiatives, as well as Phoenix animal rescue PAC911. Maria additionally resided on the boards for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Country Cares for Kids for over 29 years, Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s ARF for ten years, and renowned musical instrument non-profit, Ear Candy, for five years.

Maria was honored as one of the recipients of the Heroes of Live Award at the Pollstar Awards in Los Angeles in 2021. The award was given to five recipients who went “far above and beyond their traditional ‘day/night jobs’ to help the larger live industry and our communities in crucial ways that include altruism, advocacy, diversity and inclusivity and more.” She was also honored as one of Pollstar’s 2021 Women of Live and named to Pollstar’s 2020 Impact 50 list as one of the Caretakers.

Maria is the Founder and Director of Musically Fed, a nonprofit dedicated to engaging the music industry to fight hunger through repurposing excess tour catering. With over 40 years of relationships and expertise in the entertainment industry, Maria brings invaluable experience and counsel to ensure the success and exposure of projects at both a grassroots and international level.