Exploring Life & Business with Victor Rosiles-Tessier of The Haven Pomona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victor Rosiles-Tessier.

Hi Victor, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 1992, three local creatives, Ken Bencomo (artist and choreographer), Ed Tessier (musician and activist), and Jim Carlson (musician and educator), decided the local arts scene needed a neighborhood hangout. The result was The Haven Coffeehouse, a café, gallery, and music venue that opened in 1992. For the next five years, it was a bustling showcase for emerging art, indie music, and community groups that helped launch an entire cultural district, now known as the Pomona Arts Colony.
Unfortunately, corporate competition from places like Starbucks and Borders led to the café’s closure. Following 1997, the space took many names: Taco Nazo, Alladin Jr’s, PBW, etc. After a remodel during the pandemic, second-generation musician/promoter Victor Rosiles-Tessier reopened The Haven on July 9, 2021 to once again provide a home for a diverse community of creative artists, bands, and their emerging fans.

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?
Opening a music venue in the middle of pandemic was challenging. The first couple months were a struggle to ensure people’s health and safety while in a crowded room. As a small independent music venue, we’ve been dependent on ticket sales to finance the establishment, make upgrades in our production systems, and continue to provide our platform.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Haven Pomona. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a small independent music venue in Pomona, CA. We host concerts, festivals, and other events to promote emerging local and touring artists. We are quite literally a safe haven for all that enjoy live music. Our shows are always all ages.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Looking to jam after school and support local music, our youthful staff started managing the venue while in high school. Now as college students we are studying for degrees within the music industry.

Pricing:

• Tickets range between $10-15 dollars

Contact Info:

• Website: thehavenpomona.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehavenpomona/?hl=om-et
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/thehavenpomona/