Photo Credit: AXS
AXS strengthens its position in the independent venue space with new and renewed partnerships spanning some of the most iconic clubs in the nation.
Today, AXS bolstered its place in the independent venue market with a fresh round of partnerships spanning iconic clubs across the United States. The ticketing and live event company announced new and renewed agreements with West Hollywood institution Troubadour, the entire Marathon Live venue portfolio, and Minneapolis independent venue operator First Avenue. These deals cement AXS’ position as an advocate for independent operators, from single-room clubs to mid-sized, multi-market venue groups.
“Independent venues are essential to the live music ecosystem,” said Dean DeWulf, Head of North American Venues at AXS. “They’re where artists build careers, fans discover new music, and communities come together. These operators know their rooms and their audiences better than anyone, and we’re proud to give them the platform, technology, and tools they need to keep doing what they do best.”
The Troubadour opened its doors in 1957 and has long held a defining place in live music history. The West Hollywood venue has hosted breakthrough performances and landmark sets from generations of artists, including Elton John, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Guns N’ Roses, Willie Nelson, Justin Bieber, and more.
“The Troubadour has always been about the connection between artists and fans,” said Christine Karayan, Owner and GM of the Troubadour. “As we look ahead, working with AXS allows us to preserve what makes this venue special—its history, its independence, and the intimate live experiences fans and artists expect from the Troubadour.”
AXS will also ticket the full Marathon Live portfolio, including Marathon Music Works in Nashville, The Signal and The Parlour in Chattanooga, The Hall in Little Rock, FIVE in Jacksonville, The Truman in Kansas City, and The Hawthorn in St. Louis. Across its venues, Marathon Live operates a growing network of 1,000- to 2,000-capacity rooms serving national touring artists, corporate and private events, local communities, and a diverse range of genres and audiences.
“As Marathon Live continues to grow across multiple markets, it’s important that we have a ticketing partner who understands how independent venues operate,” said Mark Dinerstein, CEO of Marathon Live. “AXS gives our team the tools and support to move quickly, manage each room’s unique needs, and keep the focus where it belongs—on the artists and fans that we are proud to serve.”
In Minneapolis, AXS has renewed its relationship with First Avenue, the independent venue operator behind one of the most recognized names in live music. Under Dayna Frank’s leadership, First Avenue has long been a leading voice for independent venues. This includes Frank’s role in the Save Our Stages initiative, which helped secure the $16 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program for independent venues, promoters, and live entertainment businesses impacted by the pandemic. The renewed partnership reflects a continued, shared focus on artist development, fan experience, and the long-term strength of independent venues.
“From your first show at 7th St Entry to a sold-out night at First Avenue, we’ve built these rooms around the fan experience, and around artists at every stage of their career,” said Dayna Frank, President and CEO of First Avenue. “Partnering with AXS means our community gets a ticketing experience that’s as committed to independent music as we are.”
These partnerships reflect how AXS is supporting independent operators by helping venues stay in control, serve fans more effectively, and build sustainable live businesses in an evolving marketplace.
