Jesse Higgs is the founder and Artistic Director of Party In The Paddock, which he started at just 21 years old via a rogue birthday party with local musos and a hay bale stage. Over the past 14 years, he has helped shape Tasmania’s now thriving music and arts scene. Continuing to drive the festival’s artistic vision and growth with its dynamic team, PITP has now been established as Tassie’s premier music and arts festival. Jesse co-founded Vibestown Productions in 2015, the event management company behind PITP, and at the helm of other beloved events such as Party In The Apocalypse, HAYDAYS, The Basin Concert, Til the Wheels Fall Off, and more.

With a background of being a musician in various bands, promoting events and booking venues, Jesse’s expertise spans Festival Direction, Event Management, Music Production, Music Direction, A&R, Creative/Artistic Direction, Programming, Strategic Marketing, Brand Building and Artist Management. Having grown up performing in his parents’ band and later developing various others, Jesse is deeply rooted in both the business and performance sides of the music industry. Having worked with a wide range of artists and industry people, combining his business acumen with artistic leadership, his entrepreneurial drive is now extending to other ventures, with the very recent start up of independent record label Secret Creek Records.