BarStars Niagara promotes nightlife

By JANE McTAVISH

Staff Writer

Students don’t go out as much as they used to.

Today many of them need a specific reason to have a good time, either to see an artist perform or attend a themed party.

Several companies in the area are dedicated to making this happen, such as BarStars Inc.

This photography and marketing company says its main focus is to promote the evolving nightlife in the region, focusing on St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Hamilton.

BarStars Inc. was created in September 2010 by founders Matt Jones and Patrick Doody, also known as the Sour DJs, when they realized there wasn’t an established promoting company in the area.

They initially started the company as a promotional tool for themselves but realized they were filling a void in the market and gained interest. Then they became the first company in the region to bring electronic music and artists.

“They started with something to help evolve the Niagara nightlife scene,” says Zach Pajtasz, 22, the social media officer and media relations agent.

He says they help bars and clubs increase the demand and increase awareness.

“We don’t have the demand; it doesn’t thrive like other areas. We don’t really have any big named bars. That’s where we’ve kind of moved in to help organizations and bars to kind of give them more of a push. Before, they didn’t need this service but now students need to be encouraged more that they should go out and celebrate.”

Eva Glazkova, 22, a Hospitality Operations Management student from Niagara College, says it is always fun to check the photos from their website, especially the ones of her with her friends. “It makes me go back to that night and remember how much I enjoyed myself.”

Pajtasz says they choose which artists to bring depending on who the students want to see.

“It’s a matter of finding acts that have a big following in the area but that aren’t necessarily the really big names. It’s a matter of finding the right people at the right time,” adding they always consider students’ budgets and offer the events at an affordable price.

Adrian Nunes, entertainment manager of the Red Hot Chili Pepper in St. Catharines, has worked with BarStars for years.

“Because of all the events they throw, we are getting people who wouldn’t normally come from other cities. They definitely pave the way to have bigger DJs and bigger events in the city.”

Krysta Gauthier, bartender at Cache in St. Catharines, says BarStars makes them aware of what is going on with their website and Facebook page that is “always blowing up” with special events.

“Not only have they put their time and consistent effort towards clubs, but also promote for charity events as well as raising awareness for things such as Movember.

“Their amazing photographers have done a fantastic job at capturing our best moments.”

The team also includes web designer Dexter Brock, and photographer and ticket sales co-ordinator Steve Brown.

Pajtasz says they enjoy what they do.

“I love it; it’s awesome. The most rewarding thing is seeing people having a good time.”

On Oct. 30 they will have the Raving Dead Devil’s Night party at Barracuda Pretty in St. Catharines.