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CIRCA 1996
Outback Presents is the leading independent, full service promoter of live entertainment in North America. We specialize in producing comedy, festivals, and music, with an emphasis in providing award-winning best in class service to our diverse roster of clients.
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COMEDY FESTS
Nashville Comedy Fest
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312 Comedy Fest
Fully Loaded Fest
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Photos, Videos & Documents
Leigh Feuerstein
Leigh Feuerstein
Leigh comes from a highly successful Hedge Fund and Private Equity career, specializing in tax, accounting, systems, fund structuring, deal structuring, asset raising, and reconciliation projects. Under his 6 years as Partner and COO/CFO of Element Capital, a Global Macro Hedge Fund, net assets grew from $250MM to $4B+. He oversaw all non-trading aspects of the business, including accounting, operations, legal, compliance, and investor relations. Simultaneously, Leigh invested in, raised capital for, and served on the Board of various companies (mostly in CPG), such as Sensible Portions Veggie Straws (Sold), Rickland Orchards Greek Yogurt Bars (Sold), Dippin’ Chips, Thinsters Cookies (Sold), SkinnyPop (Sold), and ParmCrisps (Sold 2021). Building profitable, high integrity products, brands, and businesses while making a difference in the lives of other people became the driving force behind his transition into the food company operating space full-time and co-founding Halen Brands, Inc. in 2015, a leading better-for-you CPG focused investment portfolio company that held interest in Only What You Need Inc. (OWYN) (Sold 2021), a plant-based nutrition company, and Real Food From The Ground Up (Sold 2022), a plant-based snack company. Currently serves as Board Member and Chairman for The Ryl Company, Board Member for OWYN, Outback Holdings LLC, and FARE.
Close ModalMike Smardak
Mike Smardak
Michael Smardak, Founder, and Co-Chief Executive Officer at Outback Presents, co-created the highly successful Blue Collar Comedy Tour with Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, and Ron White. He has set records in landmark venues, such as the highest-grossing single-night event at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre with "All My Friends," an all-star tribute to Gregg Allman, and the attendance record at Merriweather Post Pavilion with "Dear Jerry," honoring Jerry Garcia. Nate Bargatze's show holds the record for highest paid attendance at Bridgestone Arena. Smardak has produced over 100 shows recorded for specials on various platforms. In 2013, a planned George Jones show turned into a sold-out tribute after Jones's passing, featuring stars like Garth Brooks and Brad Paisley. Smardak serves on the Nashville Predators Foundation Board and is an IEBA scholarship namesake at Murray State University. He co-promoted "NASHVILLE RISING" for flood relief in 2010, featuring artists like Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift. Smardak has received numerous awards, including ACM Promoter of the Year and is a 2011 inductee to the IEBA Hall of Fame.
Close ModalBrian Dorfman
Brian Dorfman
Brian Dorfman, Owner and Co-Chief Executive Officer at Outback Presents, has a rich history in the comedy business, owning comedy club entities and properties across the US.
Close ModalEli Ullum
Eli Ullum
Eli has extensive professional experience in entrepreneurship, executive management, investment management and business consulting. He has founded and/or been part of business developments in finance, healthcare, technology and manufacturing. Throughout his career in investment management, Eli has invested across various financial markets and within numerous industries, with a specialization in distressed situations. Further, Eli has worked as a business and management consultant with a focus on corporate restructurings.
Close ModalAwards
3x IEBA Concert Promoter Of The Year
2005, 2007, 2009
ACM Promoter Of The Year
2007
NATD Honors- Colonel Tom Parker Award – Bonnie Sugarman
2019
NATD Award - Mike Smardak
2016
Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award- Mike Smardak
2018
IEBA Rookie Of The Year – Andrew Farwell
2014
IEBA Festival Buyer Of The Year – Outback Concerts
2012
IEBA Hall of Fame Inductee – Mike Smardak
2011
IEBA Entertainment Buyer Of The Year
2006
IEBA Talent Buyer Of The Year
2005
Pollstar's Poster Of The Year - Lumineers at Koka Booth Cary, NC
2014
IEBA Promoter of the Year (Mike Smardak)
2002, 2004, 2010
Pollstar's Impact 50 Honoree - Mike Smardak
2022, 2023
Nominations
3x Billboard Independent Promoter Of the Year Nominee
2006, 2007, 2008
3x Independent Promoter Of the Year Nominee
6x Bill Graham Award Pollstar Promoter Of the Year Nominee
ACM Promoter Of The Year
2005, 2006
IEBA Promoter Of the Year Nominee – Mike Smardak
IEBA Young Professional Of the Year Nominee – Louisa Leiser
2018
IEBA Promoter Of the Year Nominee
IEBA Promoter Of the Year Nominee Andrew Farwell
2016
IEBA Concert Promoter Of the Year Nominee
