#39 - Why Live Music Is Sacred: Community, Ghosts, and the Economics of Staying Independent

<p>In this episode, Matt sits down with <a href="https://www.jesselauter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Jesse Lauter</a>, Head of Production &amp; Media at Dayglo Presents, the team behind iconic venues like Brooklyn Bowl and The Capitol Theatre, to talk about launching new spaces in a challenging economic climate and why live music is still one of the most human experiences we have.</p><p><br></p><p>From transforming historic buildings like Stable Hall into world-class venues, to navigating shifting consumer behavior and industry headwinds, Jesse shares a deeply grounded perspective on what it means to create spaces for connection, culture, and community.</p><p><br></p><p>Episode Timestamps:</p><ul><li><strong>(02:00) · What Is Stable Hall? Origins &amp; The Pearl</strong><br>Jesse explains how Dayglo got involved with Stable Hall, introduces Peter Shapiro and Dayglo’s ecosystem, and describes the Pearl District’s brewery history and redevelopment.</li><li><strong>(10:40) · Why Build Venues Now? Mission Over Money</strong><br>Discussion of economic headwinds, why Dayglo is still opening and partnering on new rooms, and Jesse’s view of live music as sacred, community‑building, and rooted in the Grateful Dead/Jerry Garcia ethos.</li><li><strong>(19:20) · Cracking the Texas Market: Strategy &amp; Team</strong><br>How Dayglo is approaching Texas: working with Jason Adams/Outback, bringing in Hannah Gold (Newport Folk/Jazz, Luck Reunion), Stable’s independent status, and co‑promoter relationships.</li><li><strong>(24:40) · Tech Stack Shout‑Out: Using Prism &amp; Insights</strong><br>Jesse on why calendar visibility and clean UI matter when running multiple rooms, how Prism is used internally, and how Insights’ real‑time ticketing/financial dashboards drive marketing and booking decisions.</li><li><strong>(30:40) · From Production to Dayglo &amp; The Pussy Riot Sessions</strong><br>Transition into his role as Dayglo’s Head of Production, long‑term connection to Shapiro’s world, and the story of recording two unreleased Pussy Riot tracks with Lenny K (Patti Smith Group) and keeping a custom mask.</li><li><strong>(37:25) · Economy, Sober Trends &amp; F&amp;B Shifts</strong><br>Jesse’s energetic read on the economy, pressures on fans, declining alcohol sales, rise of sobriety, and experimenting with non‑alcoholic options and THC beverages across Dayglo venues.</li><li><strong>(40:40) · AI, Jobs &amp; Why Live Music Is “Safe”</strong><br>Big‑picture