Meet the Network : Chris Esparza

Each month, 1stACT will be highlighting two members of our network to provide some background and in-depth insight on some of the people who are making an impact on our community and who are leveraging the growing 1stACT network. We would like for you to know Chris Esparza, principal of Giant Creative Services and one of the organizers of the inaugural Left Coast Live Music Festival.

Chris Esparza, 41, raised in San Jose, now lives in San Jose’s Naglee Park neighborhood with his wife Pilar Aguero-Esparza and their daughter Olivia. Chris started working in the entertainment industry in 1985, after a few years in that business he opened the Ajax Lounge in 1991, a renowned jazz bar, cafe, and performing arts space in the nocturnal history of San Jose. He then started Smart Design in 1995, a design company specializing in graphic and furniture design. Following these endeavors, Chris opened up an international cafe and jazz bar, Fuel 44 in late 1997. Chris then ventured on his own with what seemed like a natural progression - Giant Creative Services, a marketing, event design, development and performing arts resource agency. In 1999 he co-founded the volunteer civic entrepreneur group Circa 2000. Returning to small business in 2005, Chris opened the Naglee Park Garage, a neighborhood bistro. 2008, he started as a San Jose Arts Commissioner and managing and booking the Landmark Ballroom at the San Jose Woman’s Club in the downtown/SJSU area.

Q&A

1. Where did the idea for Left Coast Live originate?

I have always wanted to produce a large music festival in downtown San Jose similar to SXSW or BUMPERSHOT and had been tossing the idea around for the last several years. About two/three years ago...as luck would have it...I introduced the rough idea of LCL to a new live music interest group named South Bay Live which I and several others founded. several participated members volunteered to help drive this project forward. From there, I crafted the event to address several downtown/South Bay challenges:

• First and foremost... put a great event forward for all, especially for the live music fan!

• Help build what is now a fragile music scene for musicians and venues.

• Create an event that economically benefits the downtown business folks.

• Add a diverse (especially as it relates to age) vibrancy to our downtown.

2. What is the potential in your eyes for live music in San Jose?

Even though the last several years in the valley have been somewhat tough on live music...I think we have a huge potential! Lots of people, great weather, affluence, well educated and ethnically diverse populous. it does not get any better then that to have a shot towards growing the live music scene!

3. What do you think needs to happen in order for live music to succeed in San Jose beyond Left Coast Live?

The community as a hole but especially city government embraces live music and supports that with resources and positive change - which is starting to happen! The business community (clubs, cafes and restaurants) also work together to make live music a priority in programming. Build the infrastructure that is needed for bands to grow and prosper. Music in schools (k through 12 and college) being the big one! But, also a variety of sized places to play and practice.

4. What do you find unique about the arts and culture community of Silicon Valley?

Like other areas around the nation...we have a very culturally diverse community but unlike some of those areas we live together not separated within the same city. I feel we embrace each other far more than many communities do...which leads to a very diverse arts scene and some amazing cultural collaborations.