News - The MRG Group

28 Apr 2021

Julia Rambeau Smith Business, Music, News Permalink

MRG LIVE TO MANAGE BOOKING THE HISTORIC FREMONT THEATER IN SAN LUIS OBISPO CALIFORNIA

Julia Rambeau Smith April 28, 2021

Effective today, MRG Live will grow its presence in the US by taking over the booking and calendar management for The Historic Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo, California. Taylor Stevens, Head of West Coast at MRG Live, will be the point of contact for all show holds and bookings. The team is excited to bring new life to this 70 year old, 900 capacity venue and use its international relationships to bring a wide-range of cultural programming to SLO.

“The Central Coast of California has always had a robust live music scene and the team at MRG Live is positioned to build and nurture this all while supporting and engaging the community and fans,” Taylor Stevens comments. “Being the preeminent venue in San Luis Obispo County and a registered historical landmark, we are very excited to work with international and local artists to tell the story of the Theater and bring culture to the community. MRG Live and The Fremont Group will collaborate and expand in the market together as our passion for the music and experiences are aligned.”

Jacob Smid, Managing Director for The MRG Group, adds, “MRG believes that there is a huge opportunity for collaboration with local venues to support them in delivering Positive Shareable Experiences. Under Taylor Stevens’ leadership, it is great to partner with the Fremont Theater as our first booking arrangement, with many more to follow.”

Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, CA, The Historic Fremont Theater was built in 1941 and opened on Memorial day in 1942. Throughout its early years it served both as a moving picture theater and a live entertainment venue. Designed to mimic the concert halls and opera houses of Europe, it is full of rich art deco charm in which Heinsbergen Decorating Company of LA is responsible for the 100 feet of decorative murals of flowers, charging steeds, and women in gowns. The theater has hosted a variety of events from war bond shows in the early days to Yes’ reunion in 1996. Most recently hosting over 100 ticketed shows per year, MRG Live’s goal is to increase the bookings with diverse cultural content for the community.

For more information on The Historic Fremont Theater please visit fremontslo.com and follow @fremontslo.

17 Feb 2021

Julia Rambeau Smith Business, News Permalink

KEVIN SMITH EXPANDS HIS SUCCESSFUL MOOBY’S POP UP FRANCHISE TO VANCOUVER, PRESENTED BY MRG EVENTS

Julia Rambeau Smith February 17, 2021

On 8 March 2021, Kevin Smith will continue to expand his successful fast food pop-up empire by bringing Mooby’s to Vancouver, presented by MRG Events. Following sold out runs in Los Angeles, New Jersey and Chicago and Toronto, Mooby’s Vancouver will start taking pre-orders on 18 February 2021 here, and will be available for delivery through SkipTheDishes starting on 15 March 2021.

Located at 670 Smithe St, just steps away from theatre row on Granville, golden calf fans will immerse themselves in the View Askewniverse when Mooby’s Vancouver launches as a socially distanced, pick-up only experience replicating the restaurant fans have seen in Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks II. SkipTheDishes will bring the entire Mooby’s experience to life at home, delivering Moo Mains and more right to the door of loyal fans in Vancouver.

Kevin Smith looks to Vancouver as a “second home”; he was a student at Vancouver Film School, where in 2020 he was named Creative Ambassador and honoured with the Kevin Smith Acting for Television and Film scholarship.

Kevin speaks on the new Mooby’s location, “It’s wonderfully trippy to bring Mooby’s to Vancouver – the city that acted as the gateway to my future in film, way back in 1992! Five days a week, I walked across the Cambie Street Bridge to my Vancouver Film School Classes in Yaletown. On the weekends, I bought my comics and saw movies on Granville. I learned my craft on the mean, clean streets of this British Columbian paradise, returning time and again to either pretend I’m a director on episodes of FLASH and SUPERGIRL, or to help save The Rio. And after eating tons of Canadian cuisine over all those years, I’m delighted to moooove Mooby’s authentic fake fast food across the border to the True North! Pickup at the Dublin Calling location (on Granville!) or Skip The Dishers delivery options will allow you to devour a CockSmoker on Dundas, pop some Hater Totz in Stanley Park, or eat a CowTipper with the Canucks on TV!”

Via Tock, loyal fans and burger lovers alike can pre-order their Moo Mains, Salt Lick Sides, Mooby’s Secret Stash Merch for pickup including exclusive items available only in Vancouver such as Hater Tot Poutine, Rib’um Method Sandwich and limited edition Mooby’s Vancouver posters. The Mooby’s menu will include fan favourites from the franchise, including the Cow Tipper and Hater Totz. Our vegan friends can also take part with the option of the Vegan (jackfruit) Rib’um Method Sandwich and Beyond Cow Tipper.

“Breakfast? Breakfast, shmreakfast. Look at the score, for Christ’s sake. It’s only the second period and I’m up 12 to 2. Breakfasts come and go, Rene, but Hartford, “the Whale,” they only beat Vancouver once, maybe twice in a lifetime.” – Brodie, Mallrats

About Mooby’s Vancouver

Mooby’s will operate on a staggered pick-up only reservation system via Tock and exclusive delivery from SkipTheDishes. Fans can pre-order their meal pack and merch by choosing a date and time here (add direct link) and join us at Mooby’s Vancouver or order at home via the SkipTheDishes app or website.

Each ticket includes a Mooby’s Meal with your selections of a Moo Main + Salt Lick Side (vegan & non vegan options available), Mooby’s Soda, limited edition Mooby’s Vancity Lager.Those with pick-up tickets will be allowed in at their slated pick up time only. Merch and add on items will be available for onsite purchase with selected items available here.

https://www.moobyspopup.com

https://www.instagram.com/moobyspopup/

#moobysvancouver

02 Mar 2020

Julia Rambeau Smith Music, News Permalink

THE MRG GROUP HAS NAMED JACOB SMID AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE MRG GROUP AND ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF MRG LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

Julia Rambeau Smith March 2, 2020

The MRG Group has named Jacob Smid, Managing Director of The MRG Group. In this role, Jacob will oversee MRG Live and lead the company’s expansion into global markets including the United States.

“Jacob and I connected more than a decade ago over a belief that when you turn activities into experiences they are more valuable than things. As an industry leader, Jacob has a proven track record of developing global markets from clubs to stadiums,” The MRG Group President Matthew Gibbons remarks. “We are excited to welcome Jacob to the MRG family and expand MRG Live into new markets and create positive shareable experiences around the globe.”

Jacob Smid is an entertainment executive with over 20 years of global experience in event production and promotion. The hiring of Jacob and the establishment of a US office is part of MRG’s commitment to continue to deliver positive shareable experiences as concert promoters, event producers and venue operators. The company will work to identify acquisitions, partnerships and organic growth opportunities across these verticals.

Jacob notes on the opportunity “One of the pleasures of my career is to work with like-minded entrepreneurs and passionate people in the experience industry who are interested in growing businesses. It is an exciting opportunity to join the team at MRG which is led by Matt Gibbons who has built an amazing business, team and culture at The MRG Group. In addition to our growth plans in the USA and beyond, I look forward to the expansion of MRG Live in Canada and working with Justin Kwan.”

At the age of 19, Jacob founded Emerge Entertainment. Emerge quickly became the leading Canadian independent promoter working with artists including Adele, The Killers, Daft Punk, and producing the first three Virgin Festivals in Toronto. In 2008, Live Nation acquired Emerge and Jacob was named Vice President of Talent & Marketing in Canada. In 2013, Jacob relocated to New York as Managing Director of SFX, leading US festival expansion of Tomorrowland, Mysteryland and Electric Zoo. Most recently Jacob led IMG Events Global Music & Festivals division. Jacob is also a founding partner in Fource, a leading independent promoter in the Czech Republic and Poland. The company, run by Anthony Jouet, will now have a strategic relationship with MRG Live.

Effective immediately Jacob will join The MRG Group, based out of New York and can be reached at jacob@themrggroup.com.

08 Jul 2019

Julia Rambeau Smith Music, News Permalink

THE MRG GROUP LAUNCHES ELEVATE MUSIC PROJECT

Julia Rambeau Smith July 8, 2019

The MRG Group is excited to announce the launch of ELEVATE Music Project, a new initiative to help developing local musicians forward their careers, at the same time creating more buzz around Vancouver’s music scene.

ELEVATE Music Project will kick off on November 22, 2019 at the Biltmore Cabaret with round one of the competition. ELEVATE will be hosted by a prominent Vancouver personality (TBA), and the competition will be held at three of Vancouver’s premier music venues the Biltmore Cabaret, The Imperial and Vogue Theatre. A four person panel of local music industry pros will act as judges, six bands will be selected from the preliminary round and play in the semi-final in early 2020, from there the top three acts to perform for a grand prize at the Vogue Theatre in February.

All three bands selected to play at the finals will win a custom prize package designed to not only contribute some much needed funding but also help further develop their careers through strategic partnerships and experienced industry professionals. Prizes total over $50,000 with the winning act of ELEVATE Music Project receiving a spot in the Westward Music Festival 2020 lineup, an article in BeatRoute Magazine with online media support, a cash prize of $2500, a $2500 gift certificate for Long & McQuade, press photos taken by a professional photographer, with more prizes to be announced!

Current partners include Budweiser, MRG Concerts, BeatRoute Media, The Biltmore Cabaret, do604, The Imperial, CJSF, Smirnoff, Red Bull and Vogue Theatre. ELEVATE is excited to announce that MusiCounts has signed on as our official charity partner. MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards, is keeping music alive across Canada by putting musical instruments into the hands of children that need them most.

Website: www.elevatemusicproject.com
Twitter: @elevatemusicvan
Instagram: @elevate_music_project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatemusicproject/

08 Jul 2019

Julia Rambeau Smith Uncategorized Permalink

THE MRG GROUP TO OWN AND OPERATE THE CAPITAL BALLROOM IN VICTORIA, BC

Julia Rambeau Smith July 8, 2019

Victoria, BC’s longest running independent concert promotion and production company, Atomique Productions Ltd., has joined national entertainment company, The MRG Group. This marks The MRG Group and MRG Concerts’ entry into Vancouver Island’s concert and event business, which will include the return of Rifflandia Festival in 2020.

“My colleagues and I have a lot of respect for Nick, Dimitri and their team. We are excited to use our national presence to bring more experiences to Vancouver Island and build on the history and commitment to concerts and events that Atomique has cultivated on Vancouver Island,” shares Matt Gibbons, President of The MRG Group.

Founded in 1999, Atomique Productions, who’s portfolio includes Rifflandia Festival, Phillips Backyard Weekender, Rock The Shores and more, just celebrated 20 years in business, producing over 150 concerts per year on Vancouver Island.

“We are excited to work with The MRG Group to continue to bring world class concerts and events to Victoria and Vancouver Island,” said Atomique’s co-founder, Nick Blasko.

Also announced today, The MRG Group, has purchased The Capital Ballroom in Victoria, BC. The 575 capacity concert hall will be their first owned venue on Vancouver Island, joining a suite of premiere live venues across the country which includes Vogue Theatre (Vancouver, BC), The Garrick (Winnipeg, MB) Adelaide Hall (Toronto, ON).

“We are proud of the work we’ve done over the past three years to create Victoria’s best live music venue, and we look forward to seeing The MRG Group continue this legacy as our city grows” said Dylan Willows, President and Director of The Capital Ballroom.

For upcoming events at Capital Ballroom click here.

25 Jun 2019

Julia Rambeau Smith Music, News Permalink

MRG CONCERTS’ WESTWARD MUSIC FESTIVAL ADDS YUKON BLONDE, MOR MOR AND JON BRYANT TO LIST OF HEADLINERS FOR FOUR-DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 12-15

Julia Rambeau Smith June 25, 2019

MRG Concerts’ announced today that Kelowna natives and Vancouver based indie rockers Yukon Blonde, along with Mor Mor and Jon Bryant, will join the slate of headliners set to perform at Westward Music Festival – Vancouver’s premier multi-genre, multi-venue music festival located in the heart of downtown from September 12-15. Additionally, a curated list of support acts including; Dirty Nice, Vancouver duo Sunset Kids and BC locals Yung Heazy and Emily Brimlow join the 2019 lineup of established and emerging artists.

Pre-sale tickets are available beginning at 12 p.m. PST today through www.eventbrite.ca. General on-sale begins at 12 p.m. PST on Friday June 28th through www.westwardfest.com and www.eventbrite.ca and locally at Red Cat Records.

Now in its third year, Westward Music Fest is Vancouver’s largest four-day music festival spread across multiple venues featuring some of today’s most influential music acts from around the world in addition to a litany of acclaimed local artists and homegrown talent.

Acts previously announced include; Black Mountain, Deep Dark Woods, Emotional Oranges, Busty And The Bass, Mt. Joy, Junglepussy, The Wonder Years, Joseph, Owen Pallett, Le1f, Ziggy Alberts, Titus Andronicus, Elder Island, Why?, Zack Villere, Travis Thompson, Honors, as well as a selection of local Vancouver artists including BLUE J, Jakub Evolved, Kapok, Majeure, Dem Rose Boys, Barrie, The Faceplants, Dead Quiet,Harlequin Gold, Bombargo, Little Sprout, Needles//Pins, Casinos, Chase Your Words, Chief State, Kim Gray, Club Sofa, and Douse.

For more information about Westward Music Festival visit www.westwardfest.com

10 Nov 2017

Julia Rambeau Smith Business, News Permalink

THE MRG GROUP BRINGS THE ULTIMATE PARTY PUB EXPERIENCE TO GRANVILLE STREET WITH THE OPENING OF DUBLIN CALLING

Julia Rambeau Smith November 10, 2017

Whether to watch a game or to play one, Dublin Calling Pub & Kitchen (900 Granville St.) is Vancouver’s newest go-to destination for Pub grub, Pool, Ping Pong, Skee ball and Darts. With 35 big screen TVs, fans can enjoy every match on the field, ice, court, pitch or ring every day of the week. With long communal tables, pitchers and platters, Dublin Calling is the perfect spot to host large groups, office and holiday parties.

“We are really excited to open Dublin Calling in the heart of Vancouver,” says Matt Gibbons, Founder and President, MRG Group “Whether it’s pre-show, post-game or if we are lucky enough to spend a whole night with you, DC is your spot to share the experience of unpretentious fun.”

Owned by the MRG Group (Biltmore Cabaret, The Yale Saloon and Vogue Theatre), the Vancouver location of Dublin Calling is their latest west coast hospitality venture. Taking over the southeast corner of Smithe and Granville, Dublin Calling boasts 5000 square feet with seating for 220. The menu, served 11a.m. until late, features pub classics with a modern twist, such as Irish Nachos and Shepherd’s Pie Bites, along with Traditional Style Dublin Fish and Chips.

For more information on Dublin Calling Vancouver please visit dublincalling.com.