Dave Simons Interviewed by PHILADELPHIA METRO on Wed Nov 26, 2003

Name:David Simons

Gig: producer of Live Entertainment, FiveYear Plan Entertainment, Tokio Ballroom

Favorite Other Venue: Wellstar Tuesday nights at L'Hexagon

David Simons books bands for some of the hottest Philadelphia-area music venues.  He has recently taken on the Tokio Ballroom, an intimate spot which was previously used only for ballroom dancing.  While the Tokio Ballroom still offers ballroom dancing, it has added original live music to its offerings.

How did you get started with the ballroom?

I have known the owners, the Saitos, of the restaurant for years as a loyal customer.  They know and trust my experience with live music.  And with Madame Saito running things on the first floor, I know that customers will be treated well and the food will be exquisite.

How long have you been working with the Tokio Ballroom?

I began FiveYear Plan Entertainment in June with live bands at Philadelphia Fish & Company on Friday nights.  Then in July I started a great series in which I showcase acoustic performers every Tuesday evening at Society Hill Hotel.  I highly recommend it.We began live music at Tokio Ballroom on Oct.24, so it has only been one month.  I am very excited by Tokio Ballroom, because it is a great music dedicated space, and can become a fantastic addition to the Philly live music scene.

Does the Tokio Ballroom only book original artists?

I primarily book original music.  Generally I tell bands that if they are going to play a cover song, then play it in your own style.  Original music is what interests me.  When looking to book a band I look at musical style, songwriting ,and musicianship.  Of course there is also the charisma/stage-presence/show-manshipfactor as well with live bands.  That is often what makes a live show such a memorable event.

When is your next show?

We have a Saturday show at the Tokio Ballroom.  I think it's going to be fantastic.  If you haven't been to the room yet, Saturday's show will be great.  Ten Stone, Jason Vertucio, Blue Scheme,and Joe E. Jennings will be there.  Doors open at 9; show will start at 9:30.

How do you find bands for the ballroom?

I have always been fortunate to work with very positive and helpful people in the Philly music scene.  I began by talking with musicians that I used to   work with back in the day, and just networked from there.  When I told people the types of music I would be looking for, everything from energetic acoustic and XPNesque, to jam bands, to funk & soul ,and pop rock,

musicians and people in the biz were very helpful with referrals.

I look for a different style of music for each venue that I think is an appropriate match.  Actually, if bands are reading this, I'd appreciate it if they checked out my site, and contacted me if they are interested in performing at one or more of the Five Year Plan Entertainment rooms.

What makes the Tokio Ballroom special?

Any time a new live music venue opens in Philly, that is special.  Over the past five or so years,Center City has been brimming with new bars and restaurants.  As exciting as Center City has become, I am surprised that there are not more live music spots.  If the success, support, and excitement that I have witnessed and received at my venues are any indication, then Philly has plenty of room for more new live entertainment spots.  However, trying to host live bands can be a daunting task for a restaurant owner or manager to take on by themselves.  That is where I come in.  I can sit down with the manager or owner and discuss the various aspects, including costs and benefits, and setup a game plan that is fiscally sound.  I already have the experience, contacts, and know how, so I take on the responsibilities of getting everything started and focus on making it work.  Restaurant and bar owners, and their managers, have a long enough day as it is.  If anything, they need more sleep, not more responsibilities.  I coordinate with them to produce the entertainment so that it adds new and exciting business to their location, but does not add new responsibilities to their long, sometimes grueling, day. 

Interview by Jeannette Ryder

The Tokio Ballroomis located at 122 Lombard

St., second floor, Philadelphia (above Le

Champignon Restaurant &Tokio Sushi Bar).

Call:215.592.8893.  For more info about

upcoming shows and about Five Year Plan

Entertainment: www.fype.freehomepage.com.

For more information about Saturday's show

go to: www.fype.freehomepage.com or

www.jasonvertucio.com.