HUSHconcerts

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.

A group of seven people posing together, several wearing festive costumes with feathers and beads. They seem to be celebrating, with smiles on their faces, in what appears to be a lively gathering or party setting.

Our Story

A collage of musicians performing on stage. A man plays guitar, another sings passionately, a drummer is seen, a keyboardist in orange with a skull decoration, and a woman sings energetically with band members in the background. Trees are visible behind.
1998

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.

People wearing headphones observe jellyfish in a large illuminated aquarium tank. The scene is lit with a cool blue glow, creating a tranquil atmosphere. In the background, other attendees are engaged in conversation.
2001

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.

A crowd watches a live concert with several musicians on stage. The stage is lit with colorful lights, and the performers include a band with a brass section and a drummer. Most of the audience members are standing and looking toward the stage.
2002-2004

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.

A couple wearing silent disco headphones kisses in front of a large aquarium tank filled with glowing jellyfish. The room is dimly lit with vibrant blue and pink hues, creating a surreal underwater atmosphere.
2006

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.

A collage of musicians performing on stage. A man plays guitar, another sings passionately, a drummer is seen, a keyboardist in orange with a skull decoration, and a woman sings energetically with band members in the background. Trees are visible behind.
2007

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.

A woman in a blue dress and a man in a suit with a bow tie, both wearing headphones, smile at the camera. The woman is making a peace sign, while the man holds a drink. They stand in a dimly lit room with abstract wall art.
2008

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.

A vibrant nighttime scene shows a large crowd gathered by a brightly lit building labeled "Merry Go Round." Banners and signs promote "FIAT" and "500." Palm trees and decorative lights add to the festive atmosphere.
2011

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.

Two men in vintage-style clothing, both wearing hats, pose playfully for the camera. One holds a cigar, and the other has a cigar in their mouth. The background suggests an outdoor setting with a few onlookers and potted plants. The image is sepia-toned.
2015

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.

A vibrant nighttime scene of a large outdoor concert with a bustling crowd wearing silent concert headphones dancing along to music.
2018

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.

GET IN TOUCH

Contact Us

Email Address

info@hushconcerts.com

Head Office

8345 South Cimarron Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89113

Phone Number

+1 (844)-392-7454

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