Outback Presents is the leading independent, full service promoter of live entertainment in North America. We specialize in producing comedy, festivals, and music, with an emphasis in providing award-winning best in class service to our diverse roster of clients. 

Since 1996 Outback Presents has promoted and produced thousands of concerts, events, and festivals ranging from clubs and theaters to arenas and stadiums. Founded in Nashville by Mike and Kathy Smardak, we are driven by a shared love of comedy, music, and the transformative power of live entertainment. 
Our mission is a dedication to excellence in service. Efficiency, adaptability, and collaboration are the keys to our success, and we work closely with artists, venues, sponsors, and partners to foster meaningful relationships to bring creative visions to life.

Andrew Farwell, President

Andrew Farwell is President of Outback Presents, the leading independent full-service promoter of live entertainment in North America. As VP, he works closely with Mike Smardak in music, comedy, and other spoken word, producing thousands of concerts and events across the United States and Canada from theaters to arenas each year.

Andrew also serves as Vice President of International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) and is a 2023 Leadership Music alumnus. Andrew has been nominated for IEBA’s Promoter of the Year and won IEBA’s inaugural Rookie of the Year Award in 2014. He lives in Nashville with his wife Christine and dog Penny.

Michael Smardak, Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer

Michael Smardak, Founder, and Co-Chief Executive Officer at Outback Presents, co-created the highly successful Blue Collar Comedy Tour with Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, and Ron White. He has set records in landmark venues, such as the highest-grossing single-night event at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre with "All My Friends," an all-star tribute to Gregg Allman, and the attendance record at Merriweather Post Pavilion with "Dear Jerry," honoring Jerry Garcia. Nate Bargatze's show holds the record for highest paid attendance at Bridgestone Arena. Smardak has produced over 100 shows recorded for specials on various platforms. In 2013, a planned George Jones show turned into a sold-out tribute after Jones's passing, featuring stars like Garth Brooks and Brad Paisley. Smardak serves on the Nashville Predators Foundation Board and is an IEBA scholarship namesake at Murray State University. He co-promoted "NASHVILLE RISING" for flood relief in 2010, featuring artists like Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift. Smardak has received numerous awards, including ACM
Promoter of the Year and is a 2011 inductee to the IEBA Hall of Fame.

Brian Dorfman, Owner and Co-Chief Executive Officer

Brian Dorfman, Owner and Co-Chief Executive Officer at Outback Presents, has a rich history in the comedy business, owning comedy club entities and properties across the US.

Eli Ullum, Chief Operating Officer

Eli has extensive professional experience in entrepreneurship, executive management, investment management and business consulting. He has founded and/or been part of business developments in finance, healthcare, technology and manufacturing. Throughout his career in investment management, Eli has invested across various financial markets and within numerous industries, with a specialization in distressed
situations. Further, Eli has worked as a business and management consultant with a focus on corporate restructurings.

Leigh Feuerstein, Chairman of the Board

Leigh comes from a highly successful Hedge Fund and Private Equity career, specializing in tax, accounting, systems, fund structuring, deal structuring, asset raising, and reconciliation projects. Under his 6 years as Partner and COO/CFO of Element Capital, a Global Macro Hedge Fund, net assets grew from $250MM to $4B+. He oversaw all non-trading aspects of the business, including accounting, operations, legal, compliance, and investor relations. Simultaneously, Leigh invested in, raised capital for, and served on the Board of various companies (mostly in CPG), such as Sensible Portions Veggie Straws (Sold), Rickland Orchards Greek Yogurt Bars (Sold), Dippin’ Chips, Thinsters Cookies (Sold), SkinnyPop (Sold), and ParmCrisps (Sold 2021). Building profitable, high integrity products, brands, and businesses while making a difference in the lives of other people became the driving force behind his transition into the food company operating space full-time and co-founding Halen Brands, Inc. in 2015, a leading better-for-you CPG focused investment portfolio company that held interest in Only What You Need Inc. (OWYN) (Sold 2021), a plant-based nutrition company, and Real Food From The Ground Up (Sold 2022), a plant-based snack company. Currently serves as Board Member and Chairman for The Ryl Company, Board Member for OWYN, Outback Holdings LLC, and FARE.