A New York music legend that remains backstage, Stacey Waterman has been making the state’s music scene move behind the scenes for well over 30 years now.
A star of the music scene who actively avoids the limelight may seem like an oxymoron, but Stacey Waterman does so with utter grace and humility. A legend in New York’s backstage management scene, Waterman’s work has earned her a spot in the SAMMYs Hall of Fame alongside decades worth of respect from everyone within the industry and outside of it.
The owner of The DMR Agency, Stacey is responsible for production management services for a wide host of promoters, venues, and events throughout Central New York. No factor of the industry is outside of her wheelhouse, specializing in concert and festival coordination and execution, booking and contract negotiations with talent, and settlement.
Having gotten her start in her early 20s managing the local band White Boy and the Wagon Burners, Waterman’s resume today is impressive beyond the meaning of the word.
The list of names in Stacey’s repertoire is incredibly expansive, including but not limited to Paul McCartney, Dave Matthews, Phish, and The Rolling Stones, though with over 30 years into the gig, she’s stated that being starstruck is a thing of the past while on the job.
On a broader scale, Stacey has also worked with the likes of Live Nation, The New York State Fair, Creative Concerts, Famous Artist Broadway, Galaxy Events, FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships, and a myriad of other organizations.
With an attentive eye and a clear, genuine care for the craft, each of Waterman’s shows receives the same amount of energy- that is to say, 100%. She balances professionalism and lightheartedness perfectly, reportedly doing everything from tracking down birthday cakes to hiring a veterinarian for a band member’s cat.
In her own words from a conversation with Syracuse.com, she always does her best to accommodate a request no matter how challenging it may seem to accomplish because she “want(s) everyone to leave with a good feeling.”
Beyond her freelance work, Waterman is responsible for one of her signature local events, The Salt City Waltz. A recreation of the iconic farewell concert captured by Martin Scorsese, the event features the biggest names of the area, uplifting and showcasing local creatives.
A truly admirable woman in the music scene- especially the backstage portion that so often becomes a male-dominated space- it’s not difficult to call Waterman a genuine inspiration, and an admirably humble one at that.
To keep up with Stacey and learn about her newest upcoming events, be sure to check out her Instagram page here.
