The business of stardom

The business of stardom: Pub Talk features country singer

Jan. 3, 2020 LA GRANDE, Ore. –  Rising country music singer Nicole Lewis returns to her hometown for a Pub Talk at Side A Brewing on Jan. 9. 

Lewis started her music career in La Grande before taking on the Spokane music scene, and now she’s pursuing her dreams in the country music capital of the world. 

Members of the Eastern Oregon University Entrepreneurship Club invited her to speak at this term’s Pub Talk event. Club advisor and business professor Wilson Zehr said Lewis’ journey represents a specific type of business success. 

“What many people do not realize is that musicians, artists and athletes are all entrepreneurs,” Zehr said. “They have a product (their gifts), a brand, and a business (career) to manage. The ultimate success of their venture depends on their ability to effectively manage these elements.”

He said Lewis has done just that in a competitive and rapidly changing industry. Zehr said the rise of streaming services has meant that artists  like Lewis have had to change their business models and focus on other forms of revenue in order to thrive.

Pub Talks are hosted by the EOU Entrepreneurship Club and sponsored by Side A Brewing, Eastern Oregon Ventures, and Union County Chamber. Each talk offers entrepreneurs a chance to share their stories while inspiring the next generation of businesspeople. 

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, and the talk begins at 6 p.m. Informal networking will follow.