Director
For over three decades, Joe Shanahan has been a renowned independent promoter in the Chicago music community. As owner of Metro, smartbar, and GMan Tavern, he has championed artists of all disciplines at local, national, and international levels. He has helped cultivate Chicago’s cultural fabric by participating in industry panels and music business conferences, along with hosting Columbia College Chicago’s Biggest Mouth competition, YCA’s Louder Than A Bomb poetry slam, and Theo Epstein’s Hot Stove, Cool Music benefit concert. In addition to Chicago Children’s Choir, he serves on the board of Young Chicago Authors The Frankie Knuckles Foundation and leads philanthropic efforts supporting the ACLU, Lakeview Pantry, Planned Parenthood, The Night Ministry, and other local grassroots charities.