Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Quirk.

Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Mayhem started in 2022 by myself and my best friend Steve Jacobson. COVID hit our local music scene harshly. We lost several venues that pre COVID hosted. Recovering from COVID was tough especially for original music and the harder genres. Our first task was finding new venues, bars, etc .. willing to let us bring our bands in. The genres we work with seemed to intimate several of these establishments, there was resistance but we pushed on, determined. Eventually with the help of some other local promoters we were successful in finding some new places to showcase the talent we have here in Erie PA. The list of places is growing and we couldn’t be more excited. One venue in particular has become one of the most supportive places to Support Mayhem and the bands we work with. Voodoo Brewery has made a huge impact on our original music scene. This will be our third summer with them putting on their Summer Patio Concert Series and we are honored to do so. What started as just the 2 of us had crown to a team of 7. Six of the most driven, committed and dedicated people. I couldn’t be prouder of what Mayhem is and will become.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Definitely not a smooth road. As I said before, we needed venues, bars to host our shows. Early on many of those places only provided a space for our bands to play, and we are grateful for that, however we wanted more for them. Every great band started somewhere as a local band. Those bands put everything they had into becoming successful. They became ” Rock stars’.. Well, our bands put just as much into their bands and we feel they deserve to get a little bit of that ” Rock star” treatment and get paid for all of the time and work they put into their bands. Though it has been rough, there is a community of us and with help of everyone we have been able to make some headway.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mayhem Music Promotions ?

As stated before Mayhem is a local promotion company. We work with bands, venues and other promoters to put on music shows and events in our area featuring only original music. I think what sets us apart is the fact that we can provide everything needed to put on the best production we can. We are a team of 7. We have promoters, bookers, stage hands, public relations and outreach. We also have someone who does all of our art, we have a member who handles our graphics, much of our social media and makes our merchandise. Mayhem also has its own sound tech. We are the complete deal. I think one of the biggest things that sets us apart, with the exception of myself ALL of our team are musicians and active in local original bands. I think all of these things make us successful.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

Most important lesson learned? Hmmmmmm. I guess that would be the importance of community. Like I said our original music scene, that we proudly refer to as simply 814 includes more than just, promoters, bands and the venues.. Also included are businesses who support us, venders who come to our shows with original handmade products, and most importantly our people, our 814 people who show up to shows, encourage us and remind us why we all do what we do. Our common bond being our love of original music and doing whatever it takes to keep that alive.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: mayhemmusicpromotions
• Facebook: Mayhem Music Promotions
• Other: Tiktok/ mayhemmusicpromotions

Image Credits

David Desin
Tiffany Earl
Nina Miller