We recently connected with Shawn O’Connor and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shawn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Nostalgia was conceptualized while Tom and I worked at another venue called Revolution. We wanted a place of our own, 90s themed, live music, and place where all like minded individuals could come and enjoy the atmosphere. We wanted to create a unique intimate space that fit the theme, photo ops, and interactive decor – all while being able to contribute to the local music community that has had an integral part of our lives since we were kids.

We hope we did our idea justice in our supporters eyes, and have been able host over 100 shows a year from local acts to National favorites such as John Hampson (Nine Days), Trevor Penick (Otown), MikelParis (OAR), Fred Mascherino (Taking Back Sunday), and many more!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

When I was 15 years old I got my first guitar, started my first band, and dive into the world of playing venues. These places hold a special place in my heart, and I wanted to be able to replicate that feeling for the next generation. I started bartending in music venues, worked my way up to management, and in 2022 had the good fortune to partner up and open Nostalgia.

We opened our doors and Tom went full speed booking an incredible marquee of shows and events, we built, what we believe to be, an extremely unique place blending live music and interactive decor. I think that is what separates us from most other smaller venues. We’re not just another space for live music, we went all in on a 90s/00s theme and really tried to appeal to everyone, not just music lovers.

The thing I’m most proud of is the team and friendships we’ve built at Nostalgia. The entire staff bought in to our mission, and so many friendships have begun not just for us, but I see it for others as I watch strangers visiting become friends.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Tom and I have known each other forever, we both were in bands – ontop of him booking my bands. We spent years working together at Revolution Music Hall where the idea fir Nostalgia was born. But at that time that’s all it was, an idea – a dream.

Costas is a childhood friend of Toms who also was heavily involved in the music scene and loved our concept and joined the brainstorm.

Pete owned One Eye Jacks, one of the places Tom booked local shows, and during a casual conversation also was intrigued with our plan fie Nostalgia. After 10 years of operating as OEJ, he offered a partnership. A complete rebrand with our idea. We bought in, rebuilt, and Nostalgia was born.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I feel, the most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been a lesson I learned from another job. The “Rule of 3”. Make sure the staff is happy, make sure your guests are happy, and take care of your artists/bands. I believe we do, to the best of our ability, strive in all 3 of those cases. It creates a fun and inviting work atmosphere, with guests that enjoy themselves and want to come back, and artists and bands who can’t wait to book their next gig here right after they finish their set.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nostalgiali.com/events/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nostalgiabarli?igsh=NWR4MDVuN3hraDM3
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nostalgiabarLI?mibextid=ZbWKwL