Today, Live Nation announced that it will take over the booking and promotion of Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox as the venue’s sole outside booking team. The 400-capacity former brothel has been cited as an outstanding Denver venue by U.S. News & World Report and has received accolades across Denver publications for its food and entertainment value. Ophelia’s unique sunken stage differs from many other Denver venues, embodying the visage of a vintage speakeasy but with a state-of-the-art sound system to boot. Paired with the venue’s eclectic food options — Ophelia’s is a knockout of an establishment.
Live Nation Colorado President Eric Pirritt said in a statement, “Ophelia’s is one of the coolest and most unique venues of its size in America.”
Following suit, Justin Cucci — prolific Denver restaurateur of the Edible Beats family who also owns Ophelia’s — added, “this collaboration brings with it a beautiful synergy and shared belief in what the venue can offer to the city. Through this partnership, we can expand our ability to bring in the best talent out there.”
Ophelia’s will however remain an independent establishment with existing in-house talent buyer, Randall Frazier, helming bookings on a local and national level. Outside of Ophelia’s, Live Nation also books and promotes at the Fillmore Auditorium, Summit Music Hall, the Marquis Theatre, the bulk of the Pepsi Center and a couple of Red Rocks performances from season to season. Competitor AEG Presents recently unleashed the behemoth of a state-of-the-art venue that is Mission Ballroom late this year.
The changes at Ophelia’s will take effect immediately.
*Editor’s note: A previous iteration of this article stated that Live Nation would completely take over Ophelia’s booking and promotion per a Live Nation press release. According to Ophelia’s management, the existing booking and promotion will remain in place, with Live Nation as the exclusive outside booking and promotion team.
Does this mean that stubhub will be soaking up Ophelia’s tickets too?