What is Make Music New York?

James is a performing arts executive with over seveteen years of experience and a special passion for activating free public programs. Before joining Make Music New York, he was Executive Director of the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, a not-for-profit theater and arts academy serving Long Island’s East End. From 2001 through 2013, he worked at City Parks Foundation, NYC’s largest producer of free outdoor performing arts programs, including the renowned Central Park SummerStage and Charlie Parker Jazz festivals. As Director of Arts & Cultural Programs (2007-13), he and his team rebranded and expanded SummerStage to parks across all five boroughs, spearheaded dozens of dynamic commissions, developed original content for television and the web, and forged innovative partnerships with a host of prestigious presenting organizations. Prior to 2001, James worked in sales, marketing and promotions for a variety of music industry trendsetters, including Paradigm Associated Labels, Caroline Distribution, CMJ Music Marathon and Reel to Reel Records. An avid musician since his teens, he has recorded and toured with numerous projects, including the post-punk band Idle (Big Deal). He is a graduate of Boston College and an alumnus of Coro Leadership NY, class of XVII.

For over a decade, Petrit has held multiple functions in the music industry. He is the founder of Brasil Summerfest, the largest contemporary Brazilian music & arts festival in the world. The festival launched in 2011 and has presented some of Brazil’s most celebrated artists including Seu Jorge, Bebel Gilberto, Lenine. From 2014-2020, he worked independently as a producer, curator and consultant on numerous projects for various companies and institutions such as France Rocks/French Bureau Export, Rockrose Development Corp, Central Park SummerStage, Jewish Museum, Natura, Red Bull, Soho House. From 2006 to 2014, he was the head of Nublu Records, an independent record label where he managed its worldwide operations including distribution, marketing, business affairs and licensing for TV/Film for companies like Sony Pictures, CBS, Focus Features. Between 2011-2014 he was also involved with the Nublu Jazz Festival which took place in New York, São Paulo and Istanbul presenting many high profile artists such as Roy Ayers, Robert Glasper, Sun Ra Arkestra. He holds a BBA Degree from Baruch College (class of 2003).