Venture Bookings was a booking agency based in New York City from 1983-1988. Co-founded by Randi Blattberg and Frank Riley, Venture Bookings did business from its office at 611 Broadway in the iconic Cable Building and represented over 150 bands, such as 10,000 Maniacs, the Replacements, Meat Puppets, Violent Femmes, Camper Van Beethoven, Alex Chilton, the dB's, Feelies, Dream Syndicate, Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians, Mojo Nixon, the Pogues, Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers, and Soul Asylum, among others.
Scope and Contents
The Randi Blattberg Venture Bookings Collection, 1982-1990, undated, is comprised of records detailing performances arranged by Venture Booking for a number of alternative rock bands of the period. The collection is divided into three content series: artist files, press and publications, and administrative files. The artist and subject files contain press kits, press clippings, photographs, correspondence, and contracts for bands and musicians represented by Venture Bookings. The press and publications provide insight into public and critical opinion of groups represented by Venture Bookings, as well as the broader alternative and 1980s music scene. The administrative files reveal the business side of Venture Bookings, featuring financial records, legal proceedings, and tickets and ticket stubs. Each series is organized alphabetically, largely by artist or subject. The Randi Blattberg Venture Bookings Collection sheds light on the role of booking agents in the music industry, highlighting their work as a vital bridge between the artist and the public. Additionally, the collection's emphasis on alternative and punk bands provides insights into the eclectic 1980s alternative music scene.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Randi Blattberg Venture Bookings Collection was received by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a gift from Pete Sherman on January 6, 2025.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Randi Blattberg Venture Bookings Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Language Note: Collection is in English.
Processing Information: Processed by Miriam Saab, Intern. Completed July 21, 2025. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Separated Materials: Promotional buttons, guitar picks, and cardboard mobile have been transferred to the museum.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration Form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
