Joe Shanahan is the founder and owner of Metro Chicago and smartbar in Chicago, Illinois.[1] He is also the part owner of the Daily Bar and Grill,[2] as well as Double Door when the venue was in its Wicker Park location.[3]

Shanahan is regarded as an expert in the field of independent music promotion, speaking for groups including DePaul University,[4] Columbia College, City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs,[5] South By Southwest, CIC[6] and Canadian Music Week.[7]

Shanahan was one of the earliest supporters of the Smashing Pumpkins.[8] He also managed the Smoking Popes[9] as well as Diane Izzo.[10]

Shanahan serves on the board of Rock For Kids, a charity providing Christmas gifts and music lessons to homeless and needy children in Chicago.[7]

On October 11, 2007, Shanahan was awarded a Recording Academy Honors from the Chicago Chapter of The Recording Academy in recognition of Metro's 25 years in the Chicago music community.[11]

In the summer of 2008, Shanahan publicly opposed the Promoters Ordinance proposed by the city of Chicago. He was part of a group of business leaders who convinced the city to table the proposal.[12]

The City of Chicago declared July 14th, 2022 as Metro/smartbar day, in honor of the independent venues' impact on the community and culture of Chicago, and to celebrate its 40th anniversary. [13]

References edit

  1. ^ "Long live rock".
  2. ^ "Joe Shanahan, Metro/Smart Bar and Double Door - Chicago Artists Resource". 12 January 2013. Archived from the original on 12 January 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  3. ^ "Joe Shanahan: Who's Who: Ben Rubenstein: CenterstageChicago.com". 21 August 2008. Archived from the original on 21 August 2008.
  4. ^ "Joe Shanahan".
  5. ^ "Musicians At Work Forums Are Here To Help : Centerstage Staff : Music - Centerstage Chicago". 15 December 2005. Archived from the original on 15 December 2005.
  6. ^ "schedule". 10 February 2012. Archived from the original on 10 February 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  7. ^ a b "CMW 2006". 16 May 2010. Archived from the original on 16 May 2010. Retrieved 5 December 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  8. ^ "The Smashing Pumpkins Chronology: The Early Years: 1988". Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  9. ^ "the lord told me to quit my rock band". Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  10. ^ "Diane Izzo". 21 March 2005. Archived from the original on 21 March 2005.
  11. ^ "Recording Academy to honor local favorites :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Music". Archived from the original on October 11, 2007.
  12. ^ DeRogatis, Jim (May 13, 2008). "UPDATE: Promoter's ordinance tabled (for now)". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on November 25, 2009.
  13. ^ "Chicago declared July 14th Metr/smartbar day". www.google.com. 15 July 2022. Retrieved 2024-01-18.