Joe_Shanahan
Joe Shanahan is the founder and owner of Metro Chicago and smartbar in Chicago, Illinois.[1] He is also the part owner of the Daily Bar and Grill,[2] as well as Double Door when the venue was in its Wicker Park location.[3]
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Shanahan is regarded as an expert in the field of independent music promotion, speaking for groups including DePaul University,[4] Columbia College, City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs,[5] South By Southwest, CIC[6] and Canadian Music Week.[7]
Shanahan was one of the earliest supporters of the Smashing Pumpkins.[8] He also managed the Smoking Popes[9] as well as Diane Izzo.[10]
Shanahan serves on the board of Rock For Kids, a charity providing Christmas gifts and music lessons to homeless and needy children in Chicago.[7]
On October 11, 2007, Shanahan was awarded a Recording Academy Honors from the Chicago Chapter of The Recording Academy in recognition of Metro's 25 years in the Chicago music community.[11]
In the summer of 2008, Shanahan publicly opposed the Promoters Ordinance proposed by the city of Chicago. He was part of a group of business leaders who convinced the city to table the proposal.[12]
The City of Chicago declared July 14th, 2022 as Metro/smartbar day, in honor of the independent venues' impact on the community and culture of Chicago, and to celebrate its 40th anniversary. [13]