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By Contributor
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VAL HALLER
VAL HALLER, the creative mind behind Valslist Music and the Winnetka Music Festival is a music curator, tastemaker, and live concert producer. Launched in 2007 Valslist.com is the first music site specifically created to help busy adults keep up with new music. Haller’s passion for discovering new artists and her unique ability to span generations and blend genres, powers her branded playlists and live music experiences that resonate deeply with the everyday music fan.
What’s the greatest risk you’ve taken as a professional? Going niche. I focus on the 35 and over demographic in an industry that values and targets our kids. Valslist filters new music for them so they can stay current. It caught on as my site was lauded by the likes of Oprah, TODAY, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, and NPR. The risk paid off.
What were the pivotal moments in your journey? Three stand out. Bringing my private playlists to the public. Writing a weekly music column for The New York Times, “Music Match,” whose editors recognized my music picks and writing authenticity. Becoming a live event producer, as my house concerts expanded to larger venues like Chicago Botanic Garden, Wrigley’s Gallagher Way, and the Winnetka Music Festival, drawing more than 12,000 annually.
What are you most proud of doing? Twelve years ago, I launched a living room concert series for touring artists and it took off like wildfire, allowing busy adults to enjoy downtown shows closer to home. Together we’ve created a robust music community and have raised hundreds of thousands in tips for artists to perform and build their fan base. It’s a virtuous cycle of mutual appreciation and support.
What’s next? More free concerts at the Winnetka Chapel (are you on our mailing list?) and the Winnetka Music Festival with our new partner Evanston SPACE. Other projects: A “music club” to amplify the voice of adult music lovers. And a “QUIET” movement encouraging fans to “engage with the stage” at live shows. Join me to make it happen.
For more information and to join Val’s mailing list, visit valslist.com and winnetkamusicfestival.com.
