Our Team
Get to know all the people who are involved in putting together the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway!
Brian Culbertson
Founder & Artistic Director
"I wanted to start a whole new lifestyle experience for my fans that encompasses not only music, but everything we all love. Napa Valley is the perfect place to enjoy all those fine pleasures in life...food, music, art, wine, scenery and more. I hope you can join us for another unforgettable week in wine country, June 8-12, 2016!" - BC
- Favorite Napa Valley Wines: Schweiger Vineyards Chardonnay & Dedication, Gargiulo Vineyards G Maj 7, Chimney Rock Ganymede Cabernet & Block 7, Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc, Twomey Merlot, "Galaxy" & so many more!
David Britz
Managing Director
David is my personal manager as well as the business mind behind this event...basically, he makes things happen. We've been working together for the last eleven years and I couldn't imagine doing this without him!
"In my opinion, the Napa Valley is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It is my distinct pleasure to work with Brian in putting together a truly unique event that brings together music, wine, and food lovers from all over the world. Brian is the ultimate host and I am honored to work along side him." - DB
- Favorite Napa Valley Wines: Heitz Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Miner Family Winery Cabernet Franc, Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Also a huge fan of "Ahhh...nuts!" homemade by John Prager's mother.
Luke Pierce
Assistant Managing Director & VIP Liaison
Luke works directly with David and I to help facilitate a million and one things every single day. He's the guy you want in your corner to go that extra mile to get it done right.
"It's been an honor to work with Brian, Michelle, David, Steve, Kim and the rest of the crew who made Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 2015 possible. I can't wait for what's in store for 2016." - LP
- Favorite Napa Valley Wines: Cakebread Cellars Cabernet, Miner Family Winery Oracle, or anything Brian Culbertson or Steve Gage is pouring!
Kim Zimmer
Project Manager
Kim came to Napa Valley Jazz Getaway in 2013, bringing us an expertise and organization that only 12 years of successful concert promotion could provide. She's an invaluable asset to our team and keeps us all on track throughout the year during our preparations!
“Working with Brian and the rest of the Getaway Team has proven to be the best professional experience of my life! By combining my love of music, wine, and food in one of the most beautiful places on earth, I can truly say I have the best job on the planet!” - KZ
Favorite Napa Valley Wines: Stags’ Leap Petite Sirah, Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Honig Cabernet Sauvignon
Michelle Culbertson
Assistant Artist Director
My creative partner and wife of 18 years, Michelle is my everyday sounding board and all around 'cool' meter. She's the one that got me into wine after studying Italian and performing opera in Tuscany.
"Brian and I were lucky enough to spend our tenth wedding anniversary in Napa, California and we had no idea what was in store for us. We met so many friendly people, tasted so much good food and learned so much about wine. Oh and we did drink some wine as well. Brian and I enjoy sharing what we come across in life be it new musicians, artists, food and wine. Luckily we found a place that incorporates everything that we feel enhances life. Come and meet new people, drink some wine, listen to some great music and try new foods all while staring at some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States" - MC
- Favorite Napa Valley Wines: Brian's Pinot Noir, Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc, Gargiulo Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Chimney Rock Rosé of Merlot
Kyle Novak
Marketing & Merchandise Manager
Kyle has been a part of the Getaway team since year 1 and has been an integral part of the overall planning process each year. Handling all of the marketing plans, compiling the artwork and merchandise designs as well as coordinating all of transportation during the Getaway, Kyle has his plate extremely full all year long. We're happy to have him on the team making so many things happen behind the scenes!
"Year after year it's an honor to work with the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway staff to produce one of the most prestigious wine and jazz events in the world. It's a pleasure to work side-by-side with some of the most talented and inspirational people in the music and wine industry and I can't wait to see what 2016 brings." -KN
- Favorite Napa Valley Wines: Astrale e Terra Arcturus, Goosecreek Cabernet Franc, Mi Sueño Pinot Noir, and Falcor Le Bijou
Stacia Wright
Guest Services
Stacia has now spent 9 years with the Getaway, one handling merchandising and this past year being our Guest Services Manager. If you have any questions about the Getaway, please email her and come see her at our information table during the event.
A self proclaimed "Calabamian" because she grew up in both Alabama and Southern California Stacia currently resides in the Washington D.C. Metro area and has had over 12 years of experience in helping to produce various international festival and media events.
- Favorite Napa Valley Wines: coming...
Steve Gage
Creative Consultant
Steve is legendary in Napa Valley and is always the life of the party. He has been a huge part of curating all of our venues and winery partners in addition to helping produce our 1st signature Jazz Getaway Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Be sure to have a glass with Steve during one of the After Partiess! (read about the story of how I started this event and how Steve was a big part of it, click HERE)
"The Jazz Getaway is simply the best meeting of music, wine and food on the planet" - SG
- Favorite Napa Valley Wines: So many choices...