As we prepare for the E&R Awards on Wednesday, April 11th, we took the time to chat with some heavy hitters in the California entertainment and nightlife industry.
Meet Will Fonsavan. Located in the Bay Area, Will is a Heavy Arsenal Partner, Co-Founder/Partner at Copyright Cocktail Kitchen, Co-Founder/Partner at Trademark Sports Bar & Eatery, and Marketing + Programming professional at SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant. Will has worked in the San Francisco nightlife industry for 10 years. Ten years ago, he was just a younger guy going out with his DJ friends. Eventually, it became natural to transition from partygoer to promoter. From there, Will co-created the promotion brand Home Town Heros with some resident DJs. The former Sloane San Francisco brought Home Town Heros on as their in-house promotions team, and Will went on to become the venue’s marketing & entertainment director from 2011-2013.
Eventually, the partners of Home Town Heros split, and Will went on to partner with Justin who had formed the brand Heavy Arsenal [which has been in existence for 12 years]. Prior to that, the two had put on events together. Heavy Arsenal is a marketing strategy company that creates digital platforms and promotes for each business/company they’re a part of. Two years ago, Heavy Arsenal was approached to come on to Empire Room and take over the venue’s marketing and promotions. Currently, Heavy Arsenal is the point company for marketing, promotions and talent buying for 5 Bay Area venues; 3 properties in San Francisco and 2 in San Jose. There is an additional San Jose venue in the works which will open as a sushi restaurant with a nightlife aspect, catering to the newer generation of clientele who enjoy a night on the town.
Will took the time to sit down with us an answer a few questions.
What is your Role/Position at Empire Room and how long have you been there?
I have been at the Empire Room for 2 years [in May] and am currently the Talent Buyer / Director of Promotions and Nightlife Marketing.
Can you tell us a little more about Empire Room?
We’re an entertainment venue that specializes in weekly 21+ events and customer hospitality/relations. Empire Room was founded in 2014 and has been under new ownership/management since May 2016. We specialize in Open Format music. Some of the performers to play at Empire Room are Diplo, Kehlani, Bryson Tiller, ASAP Ferg, Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, Mya, Mario, Jon B.
Who are some of the Empire Room Resident DJ’s?
Miles Medina (2017 Goldies Awards DJ World Champion)
DJ J.Espinosa ( Red Bull Thre3style US Champ / World Runner Up )
Panic City ( Dim Mak )
The Les ( 99.7NOW / 49ers DJ )
DJ Tony Tone ( Sirus XM / Pitbull’s Nationally syndicated show )
DJ D-Sharp ( Golden State Warriors DJ )
What’s next For Heavy Arsenal?
Currently, we’re focused on Marketing & Programming for 4 Bars/Nightclubs, 2 Restaurants/Sports Bar. Next, we’re looking to create new concepts for new projects, operations, artist management companies. We’re also in the construction phase of a new restaurant in the Bay Area – coming soon.
Why did you want to get involved in the E&R Awards?
I’ve been connecting the dots with the San Diego nightlife market since 2009 and had the pleasure to work with some amazing people who helped put this event together.
Since 2009, I’ve been a part of the San Diego nightlife industry; doing cross promotions, bringing SD to SF, and having my DJs play in San Diego. Then I starting working with Party Naked and have built a relationship with them since 2014. Since then, we’ve had strong ties with booking The Roster DJs in San Francisco, and while The Roster has been booking my Heavy Arsenal DJs in San Diego. As this event was getting underway, I decided that I wanted to be involved in the E&R Awards because of those strong relationships. When I got the call, I didn’t hesitate to be a part of this event, especially since it is something so unique.
Will Fonsavan will be presenting at the E&R Awards, so come out this Wednesday and show your support to all your friends and family in the SoCal entertainment industry! With 15+ Award Categories, the entertainment elite will be in attendance. Doors open at 8pm with a complimentary cocktail & appetizer hour. Awards ceremony to start promptly at 9pm.
Meet Will Fonsavan – E&R Awards
