Hush Story
Born from a passion for live entertainment and a desire to push boundaries, HUSHconcerts has evolved from humble beginnings into a nationally recognized force in innovative event production. What started as a small promotion company in San Francisco has blossomed into a multifaceted brand, pioneering silent disco technology and curating unforgettable experiences. Delve into the story of HUSHconcerts and discover how a commitment to creativity and community has shaped our journey.
Our Story
Sunset Promotions Launched: A Passion for Music
John Miles and Robbie Kowal, both passionate about New Orleans music and culture, establish Sunset Promotions in San Francisco after meeting and collaborating on the SF Mardi Gras Ball. The success of this event drives the launch of Sunset Promotions, named after the Sunset District, where they shared an apartment for 15 years. This marks the beginning of their journey to influence the Bay Area’s music scene.
SF Funk Festival: Celebrating America’s Funk Legacy
Inspired by Dr. Rickey Vincent’s work, Sunset introduces the SF Funk Festival, highlighting funk as America’s “third great art form.” The festival features a blend of concerts, art shows, and film screenings, showcasing legendary acts like George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and new-generation artists like Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. The festival becomes a cultural mainstay, evolving over the years to honor both classic and contemporary funk artists.
Funkfest @ JazzFest: Bridging San Francisco and New Orleans
Expanding their love for New Orleans music, Sunset partners with local promoters in New Orleans to create Funk Fest @ JazzFest, a series of concerts celebrating diverse music genres. Despite challenges post-Hurricane Katrina, Sunset continues to support the Crescent City, raising funds for artist resettlement and community restoration, strengthening their connection between San Francisco and New Orleans.
Mojito Café: A North Beach Jazz Hub
Sunset takes over a Spanish restaurant in North Beach and transforms it into Mojito Café, a vibrant hub for live music. Hosting performances seven nights a week, it becomes a legendary spot for intimate shows by renowned acts like Rebelution and Grupo Fantasma. The venue thrives until 2011, when SunsetSF chooses to move on, leaving behind a legacy continued by local musician Teague Kernan.
FoggFest and Silent Frisco: Pioneering Innovation
Sunset launches FoggFest, a Bay Area summer festival featuring legends like Dr. John and James Brown. Despite weather challenges, the event showcases Sunset’s commitment to live music. In the same year, they launch Silent Frisco, pioneering the silent disco experience, a revolutionary concept allowing music events in urban spaces without noise complaints. This innovation becomes a core aspect of their brand.
Sea of Dreams NYE: Transforming New Year’s Eve
Recognizing the potential of immersive New Year’s Eve events, Sunset partners with anonEvents for Sea of Dreams NYE, a cultural phenomenon that blends music, art, and counterculture. The event attracts top acts like Thievery Corporation and Bassnectar, evolving into a celebrated New Year’s tradition and showcasing Sunset’s prowess in creating transformative experiences.
Expansion, Growth, and Metamorphosis
Rebranding as SunsetSF, the team expands to new offices on Treasure Island. They grow into corporate events, including partnerships with MacWorld, Oracleworld, and Instagram. SunsetSF also extends their reach nationally through the Silent Disco concept, managing nationwide tours, and collaborating with major brands like Fiat USA for large-scale activations.
HUSHconcerts: A New Era Begins
In 2015, recognizing that their baby had grown up far beyond its humble beginnings, John, Robbie, and their incredible staff and family made the decision to merge SunsetSF and Silent Frisco and relaunch as a new brand: HUSHconcerts. HUSHconcerts will take everything that the team has learned from the past 18 years of triumph and tribulation, and share that wisdom, and love with its clients, partners, fans and friends. More than a production company, we are a nationwide family who strongly believe that the arts come first, and we are willing to devote our lives to ensuring that they do.
Unprecedented Growth and Expansion
2018 served as one of HUSHconcerts most successful and exciting years ever. In the spring, the company welcomed a new partner, former Magenic Inc founder Judy Fridman. In the summer, the company expanded its San Francisco operation with new equipment and staff, and opened new offices in Brooklyn New York, Austin Texas, Las Vegas Nevada, Chicago Illinois, Reno Nevada, Portland Oregon, and Kansas City Kansas. We also expanded our operations in Southern California, opening an official HUSHla office, and forged an alliance with Georgia entertainment production ninjas Island Sound to deliver silent disco production to the southeastern US. In the fall, HUSHconcerts produced its first activation at the glorious KAABOO Del Mar festival with thousands of headphones over two huge nights. As we enter 2019, the company has never been better positioned to lead and capitalize on the exponential growth of the radio headphone production space.
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Contact Us
Email Address
info@hushconcerts.com
Head Office
8345 South Cimarron Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89113
Phone Number
+1 (844)-392-7454