Daily Inspiration: Meet Rachel Dean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Dean.

Hi Rachel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Here’s a little bio I have:
With 30 years of hospitality, events, live music and food and beverage experience across Southern California, Rachel has demonstrated a true passion for the industry. Her journey began as a young musician working in the ticketing office at the Galaxy Concert Theater (now The Observatory) then moved up to serving and then hospitality coordinator. Throughout the late 90’s, she cultivated a passion for Food and Beverage while serving and bartending at various Orange County and Long Beach establishments. Relocating to LA in 2000, Rachel embraced management roles at prominent establishments like Circle Bar in Santa Monica, opening, as well as booking and managing events at Cinespace in Hollywood and later overseeing operations at Beauty Bar, Star Shoes and Tokio. During this time in Hollywood, she pioneered successful nights, establishing herself as a prominent promoter with enduring clubs.
In 2006, her path was altered when she discovered the alluring Mojave Desert. As a musician, she was completely inspired by the beauty and calm of the desert and found a kindred community in Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree, leading to her permanent stay in 2007. The following year she was managing the Pioneertown Motel and was actively playing at Pappy and Harriets in the house band as well as her own band, while bringing other musician friends, like Band of Horses, Har Mar Superstar, Hanson, and Butch Walker to visit and play as well. Rachel’s bands, first War Children, then her solo music, as well as her current band Starlight Cleaning Co. all played Pappys over the years as well as LA venues and national tours.

When the Pioneertown Motel changed hands, Rachel took a short break from the desert to go back to LA as the Food and Beverage Manager/Talent Buyer at the Standard Hotel, Hollywood. There she booked artists like Eagles of Death Metal, Father John Misty, Allah-Las, and Jenny Lewis while simultaneously managing the F&B staff and operations. Although she adored the property and her staff, the allure of the desert drew her back and she began working with Ace Hotel Palm Springs as the Cultural Engineer, a position that would soon-after be put into place at all Ace Hotels. Rachel curated all music, activities, and installations for the daily calendar as well as booking larger scale one-offs and city-wide partnerships in addition to managing property marketing and aesthetics. Ace Hotel then moved her to New Orleans for the better part of a year to open, book and operate Three Keys, the hotel’s music venue. In the small venue, she brought some major under-plays like Daniel Lanois and Brian Blade, North Mississippi Allstars, George Clinton, Buckwheat Zydeco, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Vetiver, Tank and the Bangas, Nick Waterhouse, and more.). However, the call of the desert proved irresistible, leading her back home to remotely book music for venues including Arrive Hotels and Truss and Twine in Palm Springs, Cuyama Buckhorn, and more. More recently Rachel thrived as the General Manager and Talent Buyer at the AWE Bar in Yucca Valley, securing acts like Gibby Haynes (Butthole Surfers), Weyes Blood, Whitey Morgan, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Earthless and Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters) to the venue.
Unfortunately that venue was somewhat short-lived, and after it closed Rachel worked tirelessly to acquire it with the support of the local community pushing her. But, due to an unforeseen circumstance with an investor, the deal died. Now Rachel finds herself selling, organizing, and coordinating events and catering for Workshop Kitchen + Bar in Palm Springs. She also, recently started booking for the Red Barn, a historic bar/venue in Palm Desert.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Empty promises from an investor, being bullied by male superiors, and being used for my ideas and then tossed aside… yes, it’s not been an easy road, but one I’ve been proud to be on and prove to myself that I can succeed.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a booker/events manager / f&b manager that also happens to be a musician. I think that gives me an upper hand sometimes. Not only do I understand the wants and needs of bands, but they are my friends and colleagues. They will come and play for me at a relatively unknown venue and support my crazy projects.

I’m most proud of myself as a musician… Of our last (self titled) record, Starlight Cleaning Co., even if we did put it out during Covid. My late friend, Neal Casal played on it with me as did a handful of other friends.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the exact same as I am now. Music obsessed, completely ADHD, high energy, starting all kinds of different projects with friends.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @starlightcleaningco