MURRAY, KY - Murray State University’s music business program is taking another giant leap forward with the establishment of two scholarships from the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), totaling $10,000. 

The scholarships will be established in honor of Stephen H. Tolman and Michael Smardak, and will be available to students who are looking to pursue a career in music business.

Tolman is the past president of IEBA and current president of Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD). He is co-director of LogiCom Project Management in Nashville. Smardak is president and founder of Outback Concerts, also based in Nashville. 

A singer since childhood, Tolman’s hobby became a career choice that led him to stages across the country and around the world. He has been a music teacher and was a featured male vocalist at Walt Disney World before being seen by Burt Reynolds and chosen as a founding member of the vocal group Indian River. While with the group, Tolman appeared on network television and in feature films. He earned a multi-platinum album award for his vocal contribution to the Garth Brooks CD No Fences. 

Tolman turned to the business side of music, specializing in corporate entertainment and special event production for the past 20 years. His list of national clients includes American Airlines, IBM, Unisys and Shoney’s. Additionally, he has produced political and professional sporting events. 

Tolman is a driving force in NATD and has been very active in IEBA. He also serves on the Nashville Chamber of Commerce Entertainment Task Force. 

As president and founder of Outback Concerts, Smardak presides over one of the largest independent concert promotions businesses in the world for musical tours throughout North America. Outback was involved in the creation of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, one of the most successful comedy tours of all time. The tour featured Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall and Ron White. 

Smardak is involved with numerous nonprofit and charitable organizations including service as a board member of T.J. Martell Foundation and the Nashville Association of Talent Directors.

His professional awards and accomplishments include seven-time IEBA award winner as Promoter of the Year/Talent Buyer of the Year, past president of IEBA
and a current member of the IEBA Scholarship Committee, and his selection as the
2007 Academy of Country Music Promoter of the Year. 

“IEBA understands the importance of mentoring young people who will one day be the future leaders in the entertainment industry. Endowing scholarships at Murray State in the names of Steve Tolman and Mike Smardak are the first steps in acknowledging their contributions to our business, as well as giving back to students who will be given the opportunity to express their passion and pursue a career in one of the most exciting industries,” said Barry Jeffrey, IEBA board member and vice president of WME. 

A member of the IEBA board and supporter of MSU’s music business program, Jim Carter, vice president for institutional advancement at Murray State University, has worked closely with both Tolman and Smardak. Carter sees these scholarships as generous and incredibly helpful to students. 

The scholarships from IEBA join a scholarship and internship opportunity from NATD at Murray State University. Both organizations have developed close ties to the university and seek ways to assist its students. “IEBA’s donations directed to our music business students validates for me that our very new program has arrived. IEBA’s financial support and endorsement means our students get to stand toe to toe and compete with students from other universities who have had these opportunities due to their long-standing programs,” said Carter. 

The International Entertainment Buyers Association is a non-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals. Founded in 1970, IEBA provides networking, showcasing and educational opportunities to strengthen relationships, foster growth and increase revenue for the live entertainment industry. IEBA showcases the best and brightest talent in all genres of music and all fields of entertainment. For more information on IEBA, visit online at ieba.org.

Submitted by Sherry McClain, Murray State University.