Conversations with Bryan Hicks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Hicks.

Hi Bryan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a Midwest native who has spent most of my life in Racine, WI, I’ve been in the civil engineering field for almost 30 years, where he has honed his skills of organizing and planning. I began my humble beginnings as an event planner first as a hobby, doing small shows with local bands from the area.

My love for contemporary jazz music led me to travel to various events where I watched, listened, learned, and eventually organized my own events as a hobby. As I began with organizing local talent, I gradually learned along the way.

in 2018, my wife and I decided to relocate to Greenville, SC. After 2 years there, I realized that there was a void in the contemporary jazz field.

Although several cities in neighboring states readily have a jazz presence, it seemed to me to be lacking in the upstate area. With so many moving into the area from various parts of the country, I felt that the time was right to fill in a piece that would add to the area in a positive way.

Soon, my passion was once again rekindled. With the help of a well-known national recording jazz artist, I decided to create Bryzen Promotions, LLC with the goal of making jazz more of a presence in the upstate area. The name is derived from the first 3 letters of my name and the first 3 letters of my wife’s name. (Zen).

My goal is to provide an opportunity for local, national, and international smooth jazz artists to showcase their talents, and promote the highest levels of entertainment giving people an unforgettable experience.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road. It’s always a challenge to find someone to believe in the vision that you may have, and this has certainly been the case in my journey.

With anything in life, I believe we never get there by ourselves… there has always been someone or something to help along the way. That person for me was a restaurant owner in Downtown Greenville, who could relate to my obstacles, and who assisted me with my first show.

That gave me the opportunity I needed, showing that this vision can be a reality. From there, various opportunities began to open up with various national recording artists ringing my phone for booking.

At present, I have the privilege of partnering with Mountain Brook Vineyards in hosting with them my biggest event to date, The Inaugural Mountain Brook Jazz Festival.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One of my goals is to promote local and small businesses by linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships and contributing to local causes. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community with our latest event featuring a silent auction with part of the proceeds going to the local animal shelter in the area.

We also have the opportunity to bring together various artisan vendors and food truck vendors supporting our local small business owners. To promote cultural arts while benefitting those who would like their goodwill efforts to reach a large captive audience.

For me, it’s not about how much you can earn, but how much you can give. The more you give, the more happiness there is and I feel that that is what Bryzen Promotions is all about. You might say I’m in the happy-making business doing what I love… that’s what sets me apart from others.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice to those just starting out is to find something you love or something you have a passion for and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Also, when someone tells you “NO” it doesn’t mean that your dreams or goals are not attainable, but that the route you were trying to take may not be the route for you. Always remember that when you have a goal, your decisions in life become that much easier… maintain your goals despite your obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: bryzenpromotions.com
• Instagram: @bryzen_promotions
• Facebook: @BryzenPromo