Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Peters.
Hi Sydney, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always known I wanted to work in entertainment, but I definitely didn’t know exactly what that would look like. I went to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and studied Emerging Media Arts in the Johnny Carson Center, and while I was there, I pretty much tried to get my hands on any experience that would help me learn the industry.
Citrusfest actually started while I was still in college. I had the idea to create a music showcase for emerging artists, but when the pandemic hit, the original plan obviously had to change. Instead of putting the idea on hold, I decided to figure out how to make it work virtually. At the time, I really just wanted to see if I could pull it off, and I definitely didn’t think I would still be talking about Citrusfest six years later! But it grew from there and gave me the opportunity to work with artists and music industry professionals while learning what it takes to build and produce something of my own.
From there, I kept finding ways to get experience in different parts of entertainment. I worked with Connectiva, MKExpanded, Peachez Inc. and eventually Live Nation, with experiences ranging from artist relations and digital media to live event production and working backstage with artists and their teams. I think getting to see so many different sides of the industry helped me figure out what I actually enjoyed instead of just what I thought I would enjoy.
After graduating in 2023, I moved to Dallas and eventually decided I wanted to bring Citrusfest back, but this time in person. In 2025, we held our first in-person event in Dallas, and now we’re getting ready to do it all over again on October 1 at The Studio at The Bomb Factory.
It’s kind of crazy to look back and realize that something I started from my computer in college has followed me through internships, graduation, different jobs, and now producing live events in Dallas. I’m still figuring out where everything will lead, but I think that’s part of what makes it exciting.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I think a lot of the challenges have helped me grow.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to build something while I’m still growing professionally myself. I started Citrusfest when I was very young and still in college, so there wasn’t necessarily a blueprint for what I was trying to create. A lot of it has involved learning by doing like, reaching out to people I didn’t know, building relationships, asking questions, making mistakes, and figuring out what works.
Bringing Citrusfest from a virtual concept to an in-person event also introduced an entirely different set of challenges. Producing a live event means thinking about everything from artists and venues to sponsors, production, marketing, ticket sales and the overall experience. I’ve had to learn how to manage all of those moving pieces while also trusting other people and building a team around the vision. I’m still learning, and I actually think that’s an important part of my story. I don’t feel like I have everything figured out. I’m just committed to continuing to grow, build relationships and keep moving the vision forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A lot of my work right now is centered around growing Citrusfest, a Dallas-based music showcase and networking event that I founded to bring emerging artists and music industry professionals into the same room.
What I’m most proud of is how much Citrusfest has evolved. It started while I was in college and had to take place virtually because of COVID, and now I’m producing an in-person event in Dallas. Last year was our first in-person Citrusfest, and this year we’re building on that with five emerging artists, music industry professionals from different areas of the business, and a growing network of sponsors, media and community supporters.
I think what sets Citrusfest apart is that it’s a night of performances, but it’s also really about discovery. As a music fan, I want you to be able to come to Citrusfest not knowing every artist on the lineup and leave having found someone new that you genuinely like and want to keep listening to. And from the industry side, I want executives and professionals to come knowing they’re going to see emerging talent and hopefully find an artist they can really see going far in their career.
I’m probably most proud that something I came up with as a college student has continued to grow with me. Every year I learn something new, change something, add something, and think of about ten more things I want to do next. I don’t think Citrusfest is anywhere near what it can eventually become, which is probably the part that excites me the most.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t only about reaching a certain title, number or milestone. It’s about being able to look at something I envisioned and know that I actually had the courage and discipline to pursue it.
I want to build a career and businesses that I’m proud of, surround myself with great people, continue learning, and create things that have an impact beyond me.
With Citrusfest specifically, some of the most meaningful moments are seeing an artist receive an opportunity, make a connection or meet someone who could genuinely impact their career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thecitrusfest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitrusfestofficial/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecitrusfestofficial?_r=1&_t=ZT-99qABEWmUCk
