In this insightful episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Beringer, Co-owner, COO, Talent Buyer, and Chief Nerd at The Pabst Theatre Group, a powerhouse in Milwaukee’s vibrant live music scene. As the leader behind six venues in the city, including the iconic Pabst Theatre, Matt shares his unique perspective on the evolution of live music venue management, the challenges of running multiple venues, and the impact of industry consolidation on independent promoters.

Throughout this conversation, Matt reflects on his journey from managing intimate live music spaces to navigating the complexities of running large, historic venues. He dives deep into the business strategies that have allowed the Pabst Theatre Group to thrive, even as the landscape of live entertainment continues to shift. Whether you’re a venue operator, talent buyer, promoter, or simply an enthusiast of live music, this episode offers valuable insights into the inner workings of a major live entertainment organization.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The History and Evolution of The Pabst Theatre Group
  The Pabst Theatre, built in 1895, is one of Milwaukee’s most beloved cultural landmarks. Originally hosting German language performances, the venue has undergone several transformations over the years, including significant renovations in the 80s and 90s. Matt shares how the Pabst Theatre Group came to be after the theater was purchased by a philanthropist in 2002 for just one dollar. You’ll learn about the origins of the group and how it grew into the collection of venues it operates today, offering a unique look at how legacy venues adapt to modern times.
  (02:43)
• Diversifying Venue Operations to Stay Competitive
  The Pabst Theatre Group operates a mix of venues in Milwaukee, ranging from 300 to 4,000 seats. This diversity of venue sizes allows the organization to cater to a wide range of artists and audiences. Matt explains how focusing on in-house promotions, partnerships, and private event spaces (like The Fitzgerald) has been key to the group’s success. Learn why diversification is critical for venue sustainability in an ever-changing market and how it has allowed the group to maintain its independence.
  (00:22)
• Creative Solutions for Smaller Venues and Emerging Artists
  To accommodate a wider range of artists, especially emerging talent, the Pabst Theatre Group introduced an innovative curtaining system to transform larger venues into more intimate settings. Matt discusses how this system created more opportunities for smaller acts like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes to perform in front of intimate audiences, while still utilizing the large venue infrastructure.
  (11:01)
• The Economics of the Arts: A Shifting Landscape
  As live music venues adapt to new market conditions, Matt touches on the changing economic landscape for arts and culture organizations. He reflects on how public financial support for the arts has waned in recent years, putting more pressure on venues to be self-sustaining through ticket sales, private funding, and partnerships. This conversation offers a candid look at the business side of the arts industry and why it's important for venues to stay nimble and innovative.
  (16:03)
• Booking Diverse Shows: Moving Beyond Resident Acts
  One key to the Pabst Theatre Group’s continued success is its focus on booking a varied slate of shows. Instead of relying on long-term resident acts or artists, Matt and his team focus on curating unique, one-off performances that cater to a wide range of tastes. Learn how this approach allows for dynamic programming, and how it sets the venue apart in a market that often favors recurring events.
  (20:13)
• Independent Promoters vs. Industry Giants: The Challenges of Booking Larger Venues
  Independent promoters face growing challenges as larger corporations like Live Nation continue to consolidate the live entertainment industry. Matt shares the difficulties of competing with such giants, which have the resources, data, and economies of scale to dominate the market. Discover the strategies that independent promoters use to stay relevant, maintain quality shows, and nurture relationships with artists.
  (34:13)
• Why Independent Artists Prefer Local Promoters
  The episode also touches on the growing trend of independent artists choosing to work with local promoters instead of national ones. Using the example of Brandi Carlile, who recently decided not to work with a national promoter for her tour, Matt explores why some artists value local connections and personalized support.
  (38:03)
• Balancing Market Share and Show Quality
  In an era of industry consolidation, it’s tempting to prioritize acquiring as much market share as possible. However, Matt argues that focusing exclusively on dominating the market can harm ticket sales, show quality, and the health of independent promoters. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of live music experiences, and not just chasing profits at the expense of fans and artists.
  (40:03)
• Technology’s Disruption in Ticketing and Operations
  Matt discusses the potential for technological disruption in the live event space, especially in ticketing. He draws parallels to how services like Uber have transformed industries by offering more flexible, efficient models. Learn how new technologies, including platforms like Prism, are helping live music venues streamline operations, improve decision-making, and stay competitive in an evolving market.
  (57:03)
• The Growing Live Music Market in Milwaukee
  Milwaukee is increasingly becoming an attractive market for touring acts and live music investments. Matt talks about the influx of players like Live Nation and Frank Productions, who are looking to establish venues in the city. Discover why Milwaukee is gaining traction as a key destination in the live music industry and what it means for the local scene.
  (59:22)
• Sustainable Growth: The ‘Brick House’ Philosophy
  Rather than chasing rapid expansion, Matt explains the Pabst Theatre Group’s approach to sustainable growth by focusing on deep, long-term development. By building what he refers to as a "brick house" in Milwaukee, the group ensures that its venues are positioned for lasting success and can maintain the integrity of their operations while growing strategically.
  (01:04:28)
• Improving Operations with Prism and Data
  The Pabst Theatre Group has leveraged Prism, a centralized platform, to streamline operations across departments. With data-driven insights, the group has been able to improve customer engagement, optimize show promotions, and enhance their overall efficiency. Matt shares how platforms like Prism are transforming the way venues operate and make decisions.
  (01:10:25)