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CPL: From Grassroots to Greatness

Chair: Donald MacLeod MBE

Speakers: Sophie Brownlee [External Affiars Manager - Music Venue Trust], Chris Beltran [Promoter - DF Concerts] & Thomas Mackie [Regular Music]

The journey of event promotion encompasses a diverse spectrum, from the intimate setting of local venues to the grandeur of large-scale stadium shows. This panel will provide a deep dive into the complexities and opportunities present at each stage of promotion. Through insightful discussions with experienced promoters and industry experts, attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of the strategies, challenges, and innovations involved in scaling events. We will also explore broader topics relevant to the health and future of Glasgow’s music scene, such as its cultural legacy and the protection of Scottish venues. This conversation will offer valuable takeaways for both emerging promoters and seasoned professionals aiming to navigate the evolving landscape of live music.

Speaker Information:

Donald MacLeod MBE  [CPL]

Managing director of Holdfast Entertainment Group and live music promoters CPL .

Owner of iconic nightclubs/ live music venues Garage nightclub (30 years) & Cathouse Rock Club (34 years) Glasgow

Former owner of Glasgow nightclubs The Cube, The Shed, and The Tunnel nightclubs and  Underworld , Stavka , Juan Chiwawa and The Cube

Celebrated Scottish live music promoter, who has promoted famous names across Scotland, indoors and out, such as Oasis, Liam and Noel Gallacher, Lana Del Ray, Panic at the Disco, Fall out Boy, Anthrax, Pearl Jam, Swedish House Mafia, Prince, 50 Cent, Black Stone Cherry, Marilyn Manson, NiN, Rammstein, Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal and Bay City Rollers to name but a very few...

Over 40 years’ experience in the music industry ..starting out as a musician, then club and venue owner , promoter , restauranteur , band manager

Was previous chairman of music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland (NRS) for 20 years and part of Nordoff & Robbins UK 

A groundbreaking charity which aims to change lives using the power of music for the most vulnerable and isolated members of the community and who suffer from a wide range of disabilities , physical, mental , those on the autism spectrum , suffering from terminal illness or dementia, and

supported by Scottish acts , such as Lewis Capaldi , Emili Sandi, Paula Nutini, Texas, Simple Minds, GUN ,  to name but a few, and the vast majority of the Scottish music industry

Chairman of NRS events which includes The Scottish Music Awards which is now in its 21st year , now held annually in the iconic Barrowlands Ballroom and the charity’s biggest fundraiser and indeed ceremony

Awarded an MBE in 2021 for services to music and charity

Convenor of Glasgow Licensing Forum, member of the CPA (Concert Promoters Association) NTIA ( Night Time Industry Association), SLTA ( Scottish License Trade Association and MVT ( Music Venue Trust )


Sophie Brownlee [External Affairs Manager - Music Venue Trust]

Sophie Brownlee is External Affairs Manager at Music Venue Trust with responsibility for external affairs, strategy and advocacy with all layers of government across the four UK nations. Sophie previously worked in several external affairs and policy roles, including as Associate Director at Connect Public Affairs, managing political strategy and stakeholder engagement for multiple clients including with Specsavers, Kellogg’s, Newmedica, and The British Science Association. Prior to this, Sophie worked as Policy and Communications Officer for The Independent Group for Change, managing their manifesto and policy development during the 2019 General Election.

Chris Beltran [Promoter - DF Concerts]

Chris Beltran has been a promoter at DF Concerts for nearly a decade, and in that time has cultivated a diverse and eclectic roster which includes some of the most exciting artists from Scotland as well as from all over the world. 

Artists that he works with include Fred again.., Teddy Swims, Fontaines D.C., Barry Can’t Swim, Beabadoobee, Olivia Dean, Girl In Red, The Snuts, FINNEAS, CMAT and Dylan John Thomas to name a few. What connects all of the artists on Chris’s roster is that they all share a distinctive, artistic sense of self that’s both original and relatable to audiences. Spotting and nurturing this sense of self for artists through promoting live music events is Chris’s great passion.

This December, Chris will promote his first shows at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro with Fontaines D.C., The Snuts and Dylan John Thomas - artists who Chris has been proud to work with from the beginning of their careers taking them from grassroots venues like King Tut’s all the way up through the Scottish venue ecosystem to arena level.

A deep love for music is at the centre of everything Chris does and he looks forward to sharing his knowledge, perspective and enthusiasm with attendees of Resonate this year.


Thomas Mackie (Regular Music) 

Thomas is a promoter for Regular Music, working with artists like The Mary Wallopers, Tide Lines, Fergus McCreadie & Wild Rivers.