As we enter a new month, the Live Out L!ve Foundation closed out the month of February with its second “Set the Stage” benefit concert that took place on Feb. 22 at 9thirtyLA in Downtown Los Angeles. The first inaugural benefit concert took place in 2024; it is evident with its return this year that the foundation is keeping its intentional focus clear—helping underrepresented youth obtain the skill set and connections necessary for career paths in the “live” entertainment industry.
Candace Newman is the founder and CEO of Live Out L!ve. She has made it her duty to create the foundation to assist youth with discovering more avenues in the industry, and some may not be aware of job opportunities that exist off the stage and behind the scenes.
Reflecting on the evening and the youth, Newman said, “Having someone [there for them] and an organization like the Live Out L!ve Foundation has given them genuine guidance, genuine support, leverage into the industry, and real access into a network. A lot of this is their first time producing a live event, so having an opportunity to be immersed in that space, be responsible, and be empowered and trusted with certain roles and responsibilities was really important for them.”
Set the Stage also brought music artists, sponsors, and community members together in support of serving youth of the greater Los Angeles community. The event was hosted by Michelle Shante of Spotify and featured live performances by artists such as Kayla Starr, Ryck Jane, Riela, T. Nava, Susan Carol, and Ismael Ariel Guerrero Bombut.
“I’ve had the honor of working with Candace and the Live Out L!ve Foundation for the past year, and it’s been an extreme blessing. I was brought on as a social media intern, but the skills I’ve learned and opportunities I’ve received through this organization go far beyond that,” said Seyi Alli, one of the youth who participated.
They continued, “In preparation for Set The Stage, I took the lead on artist relations and was one of the co-producers of the benefit concert. Having these first-hand experiences has helped me to have a clear picture of what I want my career in the music industry to be. I’m forever grateful for Candace and the Live Out L!ve Foundation; she took a bet on me and has truly empowered my journey.”
Outside of the performance, the youth involved actively helped run the show as they assisted with event production that offered them hands-on experience alongside industry professionals—greatly defining one of the pillars of the Live Out L!ve’s mission.
“Being able to put them [young professionals] into a space where they can be hands-on first, for the longevity of their career, is going to make a difference,” said Katrina Lee, a board member of the foundation. She continued, “Set The Stage represents community and the faith and the strength that young professionals need to continue and keep going.”
Other highlights include an engaged VIP reception with sponsor visibility, a student testimonial segment highlighting program impact, fundraising appeals led by Newman in support of ongoing programming, and a strong red carpet turnout in which every artist participated.
“We want to support the next generation that wants to be in live music and music, period. We have production, management, and mentorship programs. We just want to expose as many people who look like us and are from diverse backgrounds to their time and place because there are not a lot of people who look like us,” said A.D. Johnson, a board member of Live Out L!ve.
Founder Candace Newman also said, “We’re youth- and young-people focused, and we center them. We center the opportunity for them to do the work and be immersed in the experience so they can have real-world training. I want to continue to amplify and center that—empowering them, equipping them, and making access and the pathway clear for them as they continue to grow in their careers.”
Funds raised from the event will aid the Live Out L!ve Foundation’s continuous programs, which encompass mentorship, workshops, and job-shadowing efforts. For more information about the Live Out L!ve Foundation, visit