On this week’s episode of Walsh Wednesday, we speak with Lance Sterling. Lance Sterling isn’t just “in the music business,” he’s been a key player in the development of the industry since 1982, and Sterling Venue Ventures has played an integral part in the evolution of live music entertainment for 25 years. Sterling was one of the co-founders of the House of Blues, and most recently, Sterling hosts his own show, “Where Music Meets The Soul,” which airs Fridays on Los Angeles’ KABC Radio. We talk about everything from growing up in Woodstock… during Woodstock!, to “Blue Dot Fever,” to the monopolies owned by companies like LiveNation and Meta, to the rise of AI. Where Music Meets the Soul - https://wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/ As President and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Venue Ventures, Lance Sterling owns over 40 years of experience in the entertainment field. Truly, he is an architect in the world of live entertainment. Sterling has pioneered the concept of concert routing in Southern California by establishing individual markets with a 30-mile radius, breaking up Southern California into ten viable markets as opposed to one. Previously, talent was only allowed to play one show in Los Angeles, with a 100 mile and 90-day radius clause. By establishing multi-day runs in Southern California, Sterling has put an end to the monopolistic practice of 100-mile radius clauses imposed by Live Nation, AEG, Goldenvoice, and Nederlander. 25 years ago, Sterling opened the doors of The Canyon Agoura Hills, and subsequently has opened in eight additional markets (Beverly Hills, Montclair, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Ojai, Oxnard, Redondo Beach, and Park City, UT) booking over 1000 concerts a year in Southern California, which is the largest number of concerts produced annually by a single entity in the state. Sterling has also partnered with Mack10 on National R&B tours. Over the past 40 years, Sterling has produced approximately 60,000 concerts and 50 million plus customers have gone through his venues’ doors. Additionally, Sterling has booked over 100 million in Special Events, and his Charity Fundraising Program has contributed over 26 million dollars to worthy causes. Three years ago, Sterling expanded into Utah, where he owns the Sterling Steak & Lounge, and operates the New Park Amphitheater in Park City. In addition, Sterling is now the Chief Entertainment Officer of the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and the host of his radio show, “Where Music Meets The Soul,” which airs Saturdays on Los Angeles’ KABC Radio. What’s more, Lance has established healthy and hearty working relationships with a vast number of area businesses and schools by making the Sterling venues available for charity fundraisers at least once a month. Over 500 school fundraisers have been held at SVV venues, which have helped local schools to the tune of $25,000,000.00 in funds raised. Plus, Sterling venues have hosted over 100 school special events, award banquets, corporate parties, etc., over the years, thus creating a bevy of satisfied and civic-minded customers. Sterling is one of the founders of the House Of Blues organization. He designed, opened and operated over 13 successful venues in markets as diverse and powerful as Boston, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Orlando and Chicago. Additionally, Sterling built out and then operated the 88,000 sq. ft. Atlanta-based Tabernacle (from 1997- 2000), which was voted by Rolling Stone magazine: “Best Place to See Live Music.” Likewise thanks to this successful venture, Lance was credited by the Atlanta Journal Constitution with saving downtown Atlanta! ________________________________ Please Support the 2nd Walsh Wednesday Fund Drive and Donate Today! https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-walsh-wednesdays-2nd Voting for Best of Hudson Valley is Over....
