Lisa Reedy

Tell us a bit about the career path that led to where you are now.

I started working for the Texas State Legislature when I was sixteen and remained working in the political arena into my mid-twenties, moved from Austin to Houston, and I met my husband there. We moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1996 and I took a temp job at Concord Records, which quickly turned into a permanent job. Long story short, I ended up working in the music industry, starting my own promotion business, and that has been perfect for me, as music is one of my passions. I’m so grateful to be able to do what I do.

What role does college and community radio play in the world of Jazz?

College and community radio is a big go to for jazz listeners and it’s hard to imagine not having these very important outlets, both for the listeners and the musicians. I cannot emphasize how important these stations and the dedicated people who work there are to the jazz community. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

What is your favorite experience you’ve had in your career? Perhaps a musical idol you got to meet? A festival you were able to attend? A project you were involved with promoting?

It was fun getting to see Tony Bennett perform “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” in San Francisco at the last Gavin Convention. I was just a few feet from the stage thinking what a cool opportunity it was to experience that. There are so many of those things that come to mind, but my favorite experiences are more personal and involve seeing my clients do well and be successful.

What band/artist outside the realm of Jazz music would people be surprised to hear you love?

I don’t know why anyone would really be surprised to know I like other types of music. So many artists and bands come to mind. I still love the music of Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Janis Joplin, Moody Blues, Erasure, Johnny Cash. There’s just too many to name, but a zillion others come to mind!

What job do you think you would you be doing if you weren’t a promoter?

Probably something involving politics, animal rescue or related to helping others.

What destination would you most like to visit and why?

Egypt would be one place that I think would be fascinating to visit. I think there’s a lot of spiritual and metaphysical energy and history there. If only I could just transport myself immediately back and forth to the places I would like to see!

You just won a million dollars. What are you going to do with it?

Pay off my house, buy a new car and sock away the rest for retirement or emergencies for myself or family members.

What is/are your current favorite TV obsession(s)?

I just have to watch the news, and I also need an escape, so when I want to escape, I watch things like 90 Day Fiance, Real Housewives, Jersey Shore and older shows like Mary Tyler Moore reruns. I enjoy Bill Maher as well.

When friends come to town, what is your favorite restaurant you take them to?

Harrah’s Steakhouse is a great place to go here in Reno. The food, ambiance and service is excellent and there’s a great deal of history there as well. It’s been around for over fifty years.

You’re stranded on a desert island. What five well known people (dead or alive) would you like to have there with you?

Only five? I wish I had more!

Pope Francis
The Dalai Lama
Barack Obama
Janis Joplin
Willie Nelson