Page 61 - ION Indie Magazine MarchApril 2019

Shane Ritschard: Thank you for meeting with me to answer a few questions about you and The Black
Sheep. Tell me a little about how you got your start at The Black Sheep.

Kevin Zirfas: I have been working here for almost 13 years and have been the General Manager for a
year. I started out as a security guard because my mom wanted to see a Chris Daughtry show here and
so I kind of got thrown into the fire and never left.

SR: Being at The Black Sheep for as long as you have, you have obviously seen a lot of shows and
bands come through these doors. Which ones stand out to you?

KZ: I would say that it is all of the up-and-coming shows. You see a lot of bands before they hit it big.
For instance, we have had Imagine Dragons and even Macklemore. We also see bands that still come
back to do small club tours…like Atmosphere, who sell-out Red Rocks but still come and play my 450-
cap venue.

SR: Tell me about the process of finding artists/bands and what it is that you look for in an artist
when you are seeking to book them for a show.

KZ: Sodajerk runs The Black Sheep with Mike Barsch and Peter Ore as the owner and talent buyer.
They pick bands who are up-and-coming. They work with me to see what bands may fit well in the
room and I will pick local bands or small touring bands that will fit with those spots. You just have to
find bands that will fit with the style of the bands that are coming in. Obviously, you wouldn't want to
put a metal band with a hip hop show.

SR: With smaller touring bands or independent artists that you look to fill some spots, is there
anything that has to stand out in particular?

KZ: I'm an ‘old school’ guy. I've played in bands and have gone on tours. So, to me, it is about their
drive. If you show up to shows and you are supporting other local bands and your band is putting out
music and is making a conscious effort to promote your shows, then we will give you a shot all day.
We really love to build relationships with bands like that.