By Crystal Harrell
2021 has seen a resurgence of events in the Coachella Valley compared to 2020. Small businesses are also flourishing with a chance to promote their new ventures, and one such business has a goal to bring quality event production to the desert. Kristen Ortiz has worked as the General Manager for Empire Music Ventures, and has now established her own business, Kumble and Hind Productions.
Started in June of 2021, Ortiz works as a consultant that focuses on project management and event coordination—catering to both public and private events at select venues across the Coachella Valley.
Kumble and Hind Productions offers a variety of services like project management and consultation, including construction renovations, property management, preferred contractor referrals, bid submittals and budget control. Vendor coordination is also offered for public and private events like farmers’ markets, weddings, and corporate occasions.
Additional services of Kumble and Hind Productions also pertain to destination weddings, talent buying, contract negotiations, artist relations, band riders, credentialing, box office sales, day-to-day operations, and settlements.
“I have spent the last 18 years cross training in various departments and mastering my skills in every aspect of event production, from staffing bars and concessions to booking the talent for festivals and small concerts. Venturing out on my own seemed like the next logical step in my career,” explained Ortiz.
As the General Manager for Empire Music Ventures—which operates the Date Shed and produces the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience and Desert Oasis Music Festival—Ortiz has been able to work with artists in the genres of Reggae, Rock, Blues and Hip-Hop. She has interacted with notable artists like BB King, 311, Snoop Dogg, Damian Jr. Gong Marley, Fortunate Youth, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Warren G, Murs, Reel Big Fish, E-40, Pepper, Matisyahu, Buddy Guy, and Los Lobos.
Ortiz’s family has been very supportive towards her new business. Her husband has urged her for years, and especially during the pandemic, to start Kumble and Hind Productions, reminding her that it’s “now or never”. Ortiz’s four children—a 27-year-old stepdaughter, two boys in college ages 20 and 19, and an 8-year-old son—enjoy the fact that she sets her own work hours. Ortiz’s business has allowed her to strike the perfect balance between work and play, giving her time to focus on her family.
“I treat this like any other job I’ve ever had: do my homework, show up on time, meet my deadlines, and roll out the red carpet for every client big or small. They say success lies at the edge of your comfort zone and that has never resonated more for me than at this time in my life, so the triumph was taking that leap of faith and having the courage to stay the course,” said Ortiz.
Ortiz’s favorite project so far with Kumble and Hind Productions has been with Mark Tadros—the owner of Aziz Farms, CV Harvest Box, and his new private event space, The Packhouse. She is looking forward to seeing the end result and being a part of launching what is sure to be one of the most beautiful event facilities in the desert.
“Live music will always be my first love. There is no better feeling than when the headliner takes the stage. The hard work is done and you can look back over the happy, energetic crowd and say, ‘Wow, we did that!’ It is in that spirit that I will continue to bring reggae to the desert and I am excited to announce that I will be partnering with Big Rock Pub on a couple of shows in the near future!” revealed Ortiz.
To learn more about Kumble and Hind Productions or inquire about services, email Kristen@kumbleandhind.com or call 442-306-1140.
