"I've launched hundreds of crowd surfing careers."

Nhaelan McMillan
Partner and Director of Touring, The Union Ltd.

"Meet Nhaelan McMillan, Partner and Director of Touring with The Union Ltd. The man who puts the crowd in Edmonton's crowd surfing scene. As a concert promoter with local roots, Nhaelan is all about seeking out and bringing the hottest acts in music to Edmontonians. That's what makes him a perfect partner for us. We turn to pros like Nhaelan to help us deliver world-class entertainment options to our city, because we believe community comes first."

Q & A

Nhaelan McMillan

What's your connection to Northlands?
I've been a promoter here in Edmonton and across Western Canada since 1995, and I've been doing shows at Northlands since 1997. Actually, I think I'm one of the only promoters who has promoted shows in every single facility on the Northlands site. I've brought in so many bands over the years I can't remember them all: Kings of Leon, Blink 182, Rise Against, AFI, Motorhead are some that come to mind.

What's your favourite Northlands moment or experience?
I'd have to say the first year we did Sonic Boom. We brought in Billy Talent, Alexisonfire, Metric and some other great bands. It's a highlight for me mainly because it had been several years in the planning, and for awhile there it didn't look like it was going to happen. Then it did and it turned out to be a great success—and we've built on that ever since.

One other experience stands out for me. I was bringing AFI to Red's. It was on the heels of their first breakout album that they'd released and the show sold out during the pre-sale. And I was like, "I have to move this show." So we moved it to the AgriCom and that show sold out within a day. It was amazing, because at the time that was the biggest venue the band had ever played. I was glad to be a part of that.

What's the first concert you attended at Northlands?
I've been a part of so many shows over the years that I can't remember which was my first. But there are a lot of shows that stand out for me: The Rush Reunion Tour and the great Tragically Hip shows of the mid 90's. I've seen a lot of great bands in Rexall Place. It's a great building to see shows in.

Corn Dogs or Mini Donuts?
That's a tough call. I'll say corn dogs.

How has Northlands changed your life?
I wouldn't say Northlands has changed my life, so much, but I would say the one thing about having dealt with Northlands over the years is that I have made some really great friends there. Actually, Gerry Stoll, who is no longer there, was a mentor to me for many years. I learned a lot from him. And the team today is amazing. Northlands just has a lot of really good people.

What is the one thing about Northlands you want to tell Edmontonians that they might not know?
After having worked with these guys for as long as I have, the one thing I would tell people is that Northlands is very focused on building our community. Of course they bring in a lot of business from outside the city, but they also do so much to develop the city itself and our civic pride. That's something that someone who's going to a concert or a hockey game or Capital EX may not think about, but maybe they should.