Inside the Chicago Music Market: An Interview with Tom Hartman of The Cubby Bear

Join us for an engaging conversation with Tom Hartman, the renowned booker of The Cubby Bear Chicago, as he dives into his experiences and insights within the music industry. In this episode, we explore the complexities of managing a band, the nuances of booking live music events, and the elements that contribute to a band's success. Tom shares his journey into the world of music, the challenges he faces on both the business and creative sides, and his thoughts on the impact of recent trends, such as the effects of COVID-19 and the changing dynamics of substance use on attendance. We also highlight featured events like the Black Diamond Sessions Live at Teddy O'Brien's, the 25-Year Birthday Party of the Mosquitoes Jam Band, and the Heart of Glass show at Klehm Rockford. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the ever-evolving music scene and learn what it takes to thrive in this competitive field.