Erika Elliott is a recognized leader in the live music landscape and known for her creative programming vision. For over three decades, she has held a variety of influential roles within the music industry, currently serving as the Executive Artistic Director of Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage. As the longest standing Programming Director in the festival's 30+ year history, having served the organization for 22 years, Elliott has played a pivotal role in the festival’s success. Under her leadership, the attendance and profile for the entire festival have grown exponentially, and the iconic festival’s rich history and longevity will be celebrated this summer when City Parks Foundation SummerStage marks its milestone 40th anniversary during the 2026 season. City Parks Foundation is the largest presenter of free Arts and Culture in New York City, annually presenting performances at SummerStage in Central Park, as well as parks across the five boroughs, as well as three days of The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Originally from Los Angeles, Elliott joined the staff of Loud Records in 1996, working in both the marketing and promotion departments on seminal Hip-Hop projects such as Wu-Tang’s Forever, and Big Punishers Capital Punishment. Erika then spent 2+ years in the Artist Development department of RCA Music Group developing the careers of Christina Aguilera, David Gray, and Foo Fighters among many others. In 2001, she became Talent Buyer/Director of Urban Music at S.O.B’s (a popular 500-person capacity music club in NYC). At S.O.B’s, she created and developed the SOULCITY series, which launched the careers of then unsigned artists John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, Ledisi, and Kanye West. Elliott is currently the elected Vice President of the New Chapter of The Recording Academy, and on the editorial board for the PBS affiliated All Arts network. She is also the founder of NYMPF (New York Music Festivals and Presenters), an informal organization of New York area presenters, producers and promoters that meets quarterly to share information and best practices. Elliott also serves on the Bronx Music and Heritage Center music advisory committee.