PROMOTER PROFILE
Music Connection Magazine
Monday, September 10, 2007
By Scott Dudelson & Albert Vega

In August 2006, the husband-and-wife duo of Donavan and Rachel Foy opened the all-ages music and art venue known as The Wire. Located in the Inland Empire, the space looks to provide a location for local artists, musicians and fans to come together aside from the traditional coffee shops and bars. The Foys spent more than a year and a half planning and designing the space, going so far as to enlist the help of Line 6 engineer, Darrell Smith, to set up an incredible 15,000 watt sound system. Add to this the Foys' experiences as artists, and The Wire is truly one of the quality independently run venues in the area for local, as well as L.A. and Orange County, artists branching out.

Music Connection: How did you get involved in promotions?

Donavan Foy: As a musician, I've had to deal with shady promoters. So when we opened The Wire, I wanted to set up shows that I liked and not have a promoter who gave a negative connotation to the venue. The best solution seems to be doing it myself.

MC: Why did you open The Wire?

Foy: My wife and I opened The Wire to create a legitimate all-ages venue in our area so that bands could play someplace besides coffee shops and bars -- an actual venue with professional sound, lighting, stage, etcetera. It also provides a place for bands from L.A. and the O.C. to broaden their fan base.

MC: How would you describe The Wire?

Foy: It's a fairly intimate venue with a capacity of 152. The stage is 14'X13'. There are art displays in the lobby, as well as areas for a concession and for the bands to sell their merch. The room is acoustically treated so the performers sound incredible here.

MC: How do you find acts?

Foy: Through the internet, shows that I go to, referrals from bands we've worked with and through bands contacting us.

MC: How should artists contact you about gigs?

Foy: Contact me through The Wire's MySpace site or my e-mail address. Send a link or web address where we can hear their music. Let us know when they are interested in booking and provide contact information.

MC: Any booking policies art-ists should know?

Foy: We don't book hip-hop, hardcore, punk or metal. We are open to rock, indie, folk, experimental, etcetera. As an all-ages venue that doesn't sell alcohol, we depend on people coming out to the shows.

MC: What separates The Wire from other venues?

Foy: Bands and fans tell us the sound is great, the staff is amazing and the whole place is clean. As a musician who plays and tours, I understand things from the band's perspective and run The Wire accordingly. I try to make it a kind of place I would be excited to play at.

MC: Any advice to up-and-coming artists?

Foy: Be professional and courteous. A huge mistake is band's booking 20 shows a month in a 10-mile radius. Bringing nobody to a show makes you look bad. People there to see other bands will be more likely to give your band a chance if there is an enthusiastic crowd watching you. Work hard and talk to everyone at a show. Making fans has as much to do with the effort you put into interaction as it does with how well you play. Do you wonder why some terrible band has so many fans? Because they work hard.

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