Barb Rocks

Testimonials

"In an area where a lot of promoters have a 'What can you do for me?' attitude, Barb wants to promote good bands on merit, and create shows that are conducive to the music. Being a huge supporter of the local music scene, her show's definitely belong to the bands and the fans."
~Solid State Logic~
"Barbara is a genuine soul, does what she says she's going to do, and loves what she does! Her energy and positivity are contagious. It's a rare combination in any industry, let alone music."
~The Moderna Complex~
"Barb Rocks is the local scene's Bill Graham. If your looking for a show at a good venue with plenty of promotion and draw, her's is the number to call. Choosing Barb as our band manager is the best decisions we've ever made as a band, other than being in a band together."
~Jade of Days~
"Barb is the kind of promoter that any band could only hope to work with. She is exceptionally fair and attentive to making sure her bands are taken care of. Unlike some promoter's shows, where your band is treated like an insignificant accompaniment to the bar selling beer, Barb personally extends herself to take care of the band's needs. Simply put...Barb Rocks!"
~Kaura~
"Barb Rocks is the best promoter in the Bay Area. She is well-connected within the music community and books both all ages and 21+ shows for us. Working with Barb Rocks has been integral to our success due to her strong work ethic and professionalism."
~A Four Star Affair~
"Barb Rocks is a strong supporter of the Bay Area Music Scene. Just as many artists love to write and perform their music, Barb truly enjoys promoting & booking throughout the Bay. For several years now Barb has hooked us up with shows in the South Bay and she has even helped sponsor some of our San Francisco based shows. Anyone looking to break into the Bay Area music scene should give her a call or shoot her an email!"
~Scraping For Change~
"Barb is genuinely involved in the local music scene. She works hard to put together shows and we recommend her to any artist looking to play in bay area."
~Silent Treatment~
"Barb really does rock! She knows how to put on a great line up and is San Jose's sweetheart! We would play anytime she ask us to, no questions asked, because Barb welcomes out of town bands with open arms."
~Disalto~
"Barb Rocks is one of the greatest bookers we've ever dealt with, period! We'd work with her again whenever! She's the real deal, no bullshit fronts, just hard work and great results."
~Point 3~
"If you haven't heard of Barb Rocks, then you must not care about rock music in the bay area."
~Trip Device~

Biography

Who is Barb Rocks?

If you’re from the Bay Area and don’t live under a rock, chances are you have seen Barbara roaming your favorite local hang out, rock show or festival. And if you had a good time, well it’s for good reason. Barbara Wahli, known as “Barb Rocks” to the San Jose scene faithful, has been a dedicated and respected member of the Bay Area music scene for over 4 years. As a promoter, manager, publicist and writer, there isn’t much going on in the Bay Area that she doesn’t have a hand in. If there were a local Hall of Fame, she would not only be in it but probably be one of its founders.

Dubbed the "queen of the south bay scene" by local FCC Free Radio DJ of the Unbound Sound Show, Barbara has become the hub of an ever-expanding local music scene, continually increasing her network of music contacts. Barbara has always kept the passion and experience at the forefront of her every endeavor, keeping the philosophy of "music first" and making sure the bands aren't taken advantage of. Being involved in all-things music has encouraged Barb Rocks to be a contributing writer to Santa Cruz-based Your Music Magazine and San Jose's former premier music mag Zero Magazine, as well as sponsor of the San Jose edition of Your Music Olympicks, the 2009 South Bay Vans Warped Tour After-Party, the 2010 Bring It Back Tour stage at Left Coast Live, and other local music events.

As a promoter, Barbara is relentless when it comes to making sure a “Barb Rocks Show” is synonymous with quality and success. She is well known for offering paid gigs, delivering quality sound and competent staff as well, as shows that are well attended and effortlessly executed.

Achievements:
- Works with San Jose event pioneer Chris Esparza (Giant Creative Services) and the City of San Jose on a multi-genre, multi-venue annual live music festival called Left Coast Live (LCL), which premiered in May 2009 with over 5,000 attendees, with over 100% increase in 2010 to 12,500!
- In 2009 her role for LCL included securing a third of the participating venues, booking most of the rock-oriented music, and running one of the bigger venues with two alternating stages.
- In 2010, Barb's responsibilities for LCL increased to heading the music selection group, handling booking coordination with bands and booking agents, website/blog editor, guerrilla marketing and promotions planning, and social media outreach, as well as having a "Barb Rocks" sponsored stage featuring 9 local favorites.
- Contributes to South Bay Live, a non-profit organization grown out of a coalition of venue owners, musicians and promoters wanting to help improve and grow the local entertainment culture.
- Is on the committee that organizes West Fest, an annual free all-ages show at West Valley College.
- Handled social media outreach for the Woodstock 40th Anniversary Celebration.
- Maintains leadership role in the San Jose Nightlife & Entertainment Committee (SJNEC), which formed to oppose the proposed promoters licensing ordinance, with hopes to start an Entertainment Commission with the local government through City Hall.

Additionally Barb Rocks has extensively grown her network, including show exchanges and collaborations, and is affiliated with, or supported by:
Nemesis Records LLC, Swisher Wheez, 408INC, SJ•FAM, Concerts In The 408, The Avila Group, KungFu Vampire

Band Management:
Current: A Four Star Affair, Letters Make Words
Former: Jade of Days, My Monster, Broken October, Nothingleft, Here

Booking, Publicity & Promotions:
Current: Almost Honest, Cadent, Northern Son

NorCal Booking:
Current: Inverse

Venue Bookings:
* Britannia Arms in Cupertino (21+)
* X Sports Bar + Music Lounge at Homestead Lanes in Cupertino (all ages w/ bar)
* VooDoo Lounge in downtown San Jose (21+)
* Mountain Charley's Saloon in Los Gatos (21+)
* Johnny V's in downtown San Jose (21+)
* California's Great America in Santa Clara (all ages)
* Tres Gringos in downtown San Jose (21+)
* Catalyst in Santa Cruz (all ages)
* Rockit Room in San Francisco (21+)
* Zen Lounge in Mountain View (21+)
* Quarter Note in Sunnyvale (21+)

Barb Rocks

support local music

Testimonials

Biography

Who is Barb Rocks?