Alumni spotlight: Martha Seroogy ’09

Martha Seroogy was inspired to pursue a career in the music industry through her experiences at UW-Eau Claire, where she managed the jazz studies office and served as the student festival director for the Eau Claire Jazz Festival. Post-graduation, in 2009, she worked as communications director for the festival and held part-time positions with the Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony, Amble Down Records and Grammy-winning indie band Bon Iver.

“I was never the most outgoing person growing up, and when I fell into a leadership role with the Jazz Festival it helped me to realize what I’m capable of,” Seroogy recalls.

Seroogy was a recipient of the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association’s Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award in May 2023 that acknowledges the special achievements and great promise of alumni who are within 15 years of their graduation from UW-Eau Claire.

Seroogy, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication, is an arts marketer with over a decade’s experience in the music and entertainment industries. She is the vice president of marketing and partnerships at Blue Note Entertainment Group, where she oversees publicity and promotions for over 450 concerts and events annually throughout Hawaii and California.

Seroogy lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, and directs marketing and business development at Blue Note Hawaii, a 350-seat venue on Waikiki Beach, presenting live music of all genres and comedy year-round. She has had the privilege of working with artists such as Jeff Goldblum, Kenny G, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic.

In addition to the Hawaii venue, Seroogy leads marketing and publicity for the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa, California, an event curated by pianist Robert Glasper and hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle. The three-day, 12,000-capacity festival features jazz, R&B and hip-hop icons.

Seroogy, who minored in music at UW-Eau Claire, is an active violist whose highlights include performances with rapper Eminem, ukulele artist Jake Shimabukuro, and classical music stars Lang Lang and Joshua Bell with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra.

Seroogy urges graduates to be prepared, patient, curious and willing to learn from their mistakes and successes.

“Become part of your community,” Seroogy says. “Volunteer or join boards that interest you. Make connections and find people who inspire you. Your biggest asset is your network. You never know what opportunities may arise.”