DeKalb | Joe Chavez, co-owner of Rosy’s Roadhouse, 930 Pappas Drive, brings musical experience and friendships to the NIU community.

Chavez spoke to the Northern Star about the music business, his genre and artist preferences and the future of music in a college town.

Northern Star: What was one of the first bands you worked with, and what was the experience like?

Joe Chavez: One of the first big bands were Everclear and Ted Nugent, who I also toured with in the past few years. I was a tour manager for them. It was a good experience — a lot of fun. The entertainment industry is what I like to do. I enjoy being a part of this crazy, crazy lifestyle.

NS: Have you been in a band?

JC: No, I have not. I’ve always been on the backend of things. I like touring, but one of my biggest passions is talent buying. I handle all the bands and producing all the events that come in — getting the talent in here and making sure everything is promoted correctly. Ultimately, my goal is to pack the place and [get] everyone having a good time.

NS: What would you like to do in terms of your future with music?

JC: I like to see what happens. [Rosy’s Roadhouse] would like to open more of these bars in college towns over the next few years. It’s just a matter of seeing how it goes. This first year has been hugely successful so far, and we’d like to keep going.

NS: What do you think you bring most from your past to Rosy’s?

JC: The hands-on ownership and management. I’m here pretty much every day handling day-to-day business, then [I’m] back at night. I’m not never here. I’m someone [employees] can come to with problems or concerns. I like if they come to me with ideas.

I’m not perfect; I can’t come up with everything. They can come to me, we sit down as a group and talk it out. If it works, we’ll make it happen.

NS: How did you meet so many of [the bands you know]?

JC: More or less through agents. I’ve built relationships over the years. I’ve gone to events, networking events and gone to shows. It’s ultimately what led to my success on this end of it. It’s really a matter of networking.

NS: What is your favorite kind of music?

JC: I’m really into everything, from rock to electronic dance music and house music. I like a pretty wide range of music. I really do just enjoy everything, and it’s hard for me to sit here and pick one. I like to bring a variety of music to Rosy’s because there is such a variety out there.

NS: Who is your favorite artist?

JC: Cage the Elephant is one of my favorites. I’ve followed them for a while now. Two of my favorite songs from them are “Shake Me Down” and “In One Ear.” I enjoy the catchiness and musical quality of the songs. I really enjoy them. Cage the Elephant puts on a great live show. They are always fun to see.