WOW. With some big changes and a few small ones The Roxy is getting ready for one of our biggest summers ever. We all give a big goodbye to Nikki Sweet and wish her well in her new endeavors. After booking the club for the past 9 years and helping shape the direction of The Roxy during her tenure, she has decided to move on. As with anything in life and in business, change is good. The timing was perfect to implement more of a team booking style in our office. And without a minute of hesitation, in comes Megan Jacobs (who has booked On The Rox as well as shows in the main room) and Scott Reifman (who has been booking and developing local talent for the past 4 years at the club) to take the reigns in the talent buying position. With Megan’s keen knowledge of the underground and emerging music scenes and artist friendly vibe, being a fellow musician herself, is very well suited to take the position. Scottie, also a great artist in his own right, has worked in the LA scene for almost 8 years. Their unwavering love and passion for music, musicians and The Roxy, I am sure we are in for some of the best years yet.
Another change we have made is the promotion of everyone’s favorite, Heather Kohos (better known to some as the force behind “Heko’s Hot Stuff”). After spending the last couple of years as Nikki’s assistant, among a million other things in the office, she is now head of the Promotions and Marketing Department. So if any of you have any ideas, promotions, contests, etc. please let her know.
One of the newest additions that we have made here is bringing in Kyra Reed, our new head of New Media and Community Captain. Kyra joins The Roxy at a time where the Internet is changing daily. Kyra has introduced us to the concept of the Web 2.0, which enables The Roxy to reach out to millions of people around the world, while bringing our communities closer together. You can check out Kyra’s views of the music biz and how it relates back to the Internet and Web 2.0 her blog at kryareed.com. As with The Roxy blog, you will see many more changes in the near future that will allow us to grow, as we help strengthen the communities around us. We are actively helping bands free themselves from the restrictions of the current music industry and supporting their independence. Basically, helping bands help themselves. And most importantly, the fans can now get closer than ever to their favorite band to experience and participate, in their very own living room across the word, the excitement of actually being at The Roxy. We also want to bring together all the clubs, venues, record companies (indies and majors), media outlets, bloggers, promoters, agents, anyone and everyone out there that will allow bands to succeed in getting their music out to the people who want it. We feel very strong about understanding The Roxy’s position in the current state of the music business. Trust me, we are up to the challenge.
Another great addition is the one and only, LA’s own, Frankie. Known to bands all over as one of the best engineers in the biz. He comes to us from our friends down the street at the Viper Room. Frankie not only brings a wealth of knowledge in the sound department but he also hosts one of our new residency nights. Along with his good friend (and comedian) Andy Dick, they bring us Andy and Frankie’s Social Club every Monday night. In just the first month we have seen an amazing four weeks of music with Rooney, Ozma, GoldenState, Everybody Else, Blue, Gram Colton, Chris Stills, Howie Day and starting this week, Phantom Planet. Thank you Frankie!
Of course we still have many of our great team in place that we have had for many years (and without them we would not still be here), Kathy, Trevor, Tina, J Decosta, Bobby B, Chivo and the night crew, all of our beautiful and gracious ladies on the floor and behind the bar, our amazing box office team of Jackie, Tracy and Summer, Bolle, J Black, Brandon, Nacho, Yuri and Art. And we would like to give a nice Roxy welcome to some of our new comers, Caveman, Dish, Annie in the box office (no one says “Roxy” sweeter) and Jeff Lyles, now manning the front door duties. Last but not least, one of my best friends, Ryan Stuber. He has taken over the manager position at On The Rox. I really feel that with our dedicated team of music lovers, musicians and just all around great people, we are all focused on bringing you the best time possible, I know we are on to something really good. Lets go Team! NA
