The job of a concert promoter is generally a thankless task, but without them, many artists would have a tough time getting shows or publicity. The local music community is fortunate to have a handful of active promoters, but none HAS a schedule quite as hectic as Cathryn Beeks and her Listen Local promotions.
Beeks spent time in California as a youth but left in the early ’90s. She returned on Thanksgiving Day 1999 and hasn’t paused since. In addition to her own musical performances, Beeks promotes more 180 events a year, the bulk of them free to local music fans.
On Friday, May 23, Tio Leo’s will host a 40th birthday celebration for Beeks. On hand will be Barbara Nesbitt, Nisha, Moontucky Rising and Citizen Band featuring Jeff Berkley.
She met her main musical conspirator, guitarist Matt Silvia in early 2001, quickly bonding through songwriting sessions, eventually leading to the formation of the band 8ball Rack.
“Since then, he and I have gone through many changes in band members and band names,” Beeks said.
Her current group performs under the banner of The Cathryn Beeks Ordeal.
“We have six members, which can be an ordeal. Thus, the name,” she said.
While she loves promoting shows, Beeks admits it can get in the way of her own music career.
“In order to promote your own music properly, you have to work on it 24 hours a day,” she said. “While promoting other shows does take time away from my own music, any day job would, so I guess I’m lucky that mine is in the same field.”
She’s been nominated for three San Diego Music Awards, including Best Acoustic Artist as well as in the Best Americana Album category, with both her own group and side project, The Ghandi Method.
“We’ve never taken one home but are proud to be included every year. The SDMA’s are good fun for a good cause,” she said.
While most reports on the music business are generally doom and gloom, according to Beeks, events like the SDMAs and the numbers of new artists continually cropping up point to a healthy local music scene.
“Compared to other cities I’ve lived in, San Diego’s scene is thriving and welcoming, meaning there are tons of really nice songwriters and bands out there making great music.”
Beeks support of local artists has made her one of the most respected people in the local music community. Indeed it’s safe to say the musical landscape would likely be quite different without her.
“We met busking at Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colo., about eight years ago. She was heading west and I was heading east,” said KPRI DJ Astra Kelly. Now part of Listen Local music promotions with Beeks, the pair occasionally sing together in Kelly’s band, AK & The 47s.
“She pretty much was my inspiration for moving to San Diego, which has turned out to be the place to be for me,” Kelly said.
Meanwhile, Georgia native Nesbitt shared a similar story regarding her move to San Diego.
“Almost immediately she helped me get involved in the music scene. I would say she is the reason I transitioned into San Diego so smoothly,” she said. “She hooked me up with shows and introduced me to the musicians who would become my band. She was tremendously helpful.”
Acoustic duo Folding Mr. Lincoln only met Beeks in February. As thrilled as they are with the “extended gig and visibility opportunities,” it’s her tireless dedication to the local San Diego music scene that impresses guitarist Harry Mestyanek.
“It’s just not a shallow, superficial, plastic type of a thing with her,” he said. “She is serious about local San Diego musicians and her commitment runs deep. It takes a very special type of person to consistently do what she does for us here in San Diego.”
At 40, Beeks remains as enthusiastic as ever about promoting.
“I like the whole package live music has to offer,” she said. “The venues, the artists, the nightlife, the potential for success on a large level. It’s all very exciting.”
For her, the hard work of assembling bills and dealing with venues is worth the stress.
“I love music and watching people make it,” Beeks said. “Plus, it’s my job and I’m very fortunate for that.”
Cathryn Beeks’ birthday show takes place at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa Street, San Diego, on Friday May 23. 21 and up. For more information visit www.tioleos.com.