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Audrey Joseph
Audrey Joseph
Audrey Joseph is a prominent figure in the San Francisco entertainment scene, currently serving as the Production Team Lead at SFJAZZ since January 2024. She has a rich background in the music and nightlife industries, having transitioned from a nightclub manager and record executive to a key player in event production.
Career Overview
- Background: Joseph began her career in New York City, managing nightclubs and working in the record industry. She was involved with notable acts and played a significant role in promoting disco music during its peak.1
- San Francisco Move: In 1982, she relocated to San Francisco, where she became active in the local LGBT community, managing clubs like Pleasuredome and Club Universe. These venues were crucial for fundraising and community events.12
- Event Production: Joseph has produced major local events, including the dance stage at the Folsom Street Fair and the main stage for the San Francisco Gay Pride celebration. Her work has significantly impacted the visibility and organization of LGBT events in the region.1
Leadership Roles
- Entertainment Commission: Appointed by Mayor Willie L. Brown in 2003, Joseph has held multiple leadership positions within the San Francisco Entertainment Commission, including president. She has been instrumental in fostering education about the nighttime economy through initiatives like the San Francisco Entertainment Commission Academy.12
Personal Attributes
Joseph is recognized for her exceptional skills in managing diverse teams and her innovative approach to event production. Her commitment to community engagement and advocacy for LGBT rights underscores her influential role in shaping San Francisco's cultural landscape.23
Highlights
Bummers Ball a benefit for Rocket Dog Rescue Nov 12th at SFJazz featuring Emmylou Harris tickets are on sale now and early bird is at a big discount until Aug 10th here is the link:
Our Choices Post Pandemic
Now don’t get me wrong I am not in any way suggesting the pandemic is over. However, we seem to be more back to business than we were in last 19 or 20 months. I find it really strange that with unemployment insurance in the distant past why aren’t people going back to work and why are so many quitting their jobs. It is especially hard for the entertainment industry where there is a shortage in every area from stage hands to engineers, bartenders and operators and more.
The entertainment industry was decimated by the pandemic. There were a few million people out of work with no hope of returning. Entertainment was the first to close and the last to open. All this was very discouraging. Many of us kept up with each other because we were colleagues and friends and provided support and mutual commiseration. Now that the industry is beginning to dance on the road to recovery where is everybody.
It seems that some are still afraid of the virus since mosts gigs have a large audience. Some want to start their own business within the industry or in another industry. Some think they should be paid more and have better benefits. After being home for so long some hate the hours which are long for the most part and routine in as much as they can be boring for hours. Load-in Load-out - no one want to be a grunt anymore. There seem to be a plethora of reasons and few new people wanting to come in to the entertainment workforce as there used to be.
Personally I love what I do. I love the creativity of it. I love the comradeship of it. I love the roar of the crowd. I can only conclude that when people get reoriented to a new way of life they struggle to get back to the previous lives they lived. So staying home, although boring and unproductive, is now the way and trying to decide what to do next is the issue instead of rushing out the door and sprinting back to the work you used to love. Sad but true. Yet I do believe that the very important entertainment industry will continue to march on to enhance all of our lives. #entertainment #nightlife #entertainmentindustry #music
