NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) — The owner of the Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge has reportedly ended his booking relationship with Bowery Presents.
According to Amplify, Bowery Ballroom owner Michael Swier said he is "initiating a change" in the talent buying at the Mercury Lounge.
In an email obtained by Amplify, Swier wrote:
"Moving on to other opportunities presented, Michelle Landry, as of Aug 14th, will no longer be point of contact; she will cover the shows she has booked and will assist in every way to make this transition proceed as smoothly as possible. I would personally like to thank Michelle for all she has done for and meant to the Mercury Lounge. She held it as her own and gave everything of herself; it’s continued success speaks volumes. I wish her only the best wherever she finds herself on the pathway to talent buying greatness.
"In her stead, I’m pleased to announce (and please welcome) Ariel Bitran. Ariel has been in the throes of the NYC music scene as a musician and promoter/talent buyer for the past 12 years. Most recently he has booked Sunnyvale, growing it into one of Brooklyn’s most formidable venues for Indie, Electronic and Alternative music. Prior to that Ariel developed and booked the internationally renowned DIY Brooklyn venue Palisades. During his NYC tenure, he has developed a long list of relationships with acts and agents alike; those who have yet to get to know him will find his passion for music is contagious.
"Sydney Sanial will continue serve in the role of assistant talent buyer, working directly and solely with Ariel and the Mercury Lounge."
The change in booking was not entirely unexpected. When AEG Presents acquired Bowery Presents earlier this year, the deal did not include either the Bowery Ballroom and the Mercury Lounge after their contract expired.
