Who is Vibe Room?

R.J. Romeo

Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O)

R.J. Romeo, an entertainment lawyer and talent buyer, dreamt up Vibe Room when he saw how touring was becoming a much more important revenue stream for artists than recorded sales. He also recognized the risks venues face and the way many fans get skipped over.

Originally an Iowa farm boy, R.J. knows first-hand what it’s like to miss out on live shows. “They are the heart and soul of America,” R.J. says of rural fans. “And just because they live off the beaten path doesn’t mean they are any less passionate about music or about wanting to see their favorite artists perform.”

The music industry has always been in R.J.'s blood. He attended shows with his dad and gained an appreciation for music at a young age. He then started his career as a touring lighting and roofing technician, traveling the country and setting up for live events. “The work gave me a great respect for the laborers who help put the show together and who are the first ones to arrive and the last ones to leave,” he says.

After graduating law school, R.J. led the entertainment law division at Slusky Law in Omaha. Now, in addition to empowering fans, artists, and venues with Vibe Room, R.J. serves as In-House Counsel and Senior Agent at Romeo Entertainment Group, a 60-year family-owned and operated talent-buying agency. R.J. buys and service rep’s clients’ events (i.e. fairs and festivals), working with major artists including KISS, George Straight, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church and Luke Bryan—just to name a few. As a Senior Agent, R.J. provides full support in talent buying, consulting, etc. As In-House Counsel, R.J. helps REG’s clients with contracts, artist-rider negotiations, and dispute resolution. RJ’s other activities include providing independent contractor services as a production manager for the Academy of Country Music.

Although he works with plenty of talented folks and loves discovering new music and championing artists, R.J. says he has “no musical talent whatsoever.”

Jeff Turner

Chief Technology Officer (C.T.O)

Jeff Turner is the guy people call when they have an idea but they need someone to figure out the technology to make it real. He took on Vibe Room as a challenge because he wants to empower bands to take control of their careers and empower fans to gain access to the artists they want to see live. “Fans and bands need to get the people out of the middle who are only concerned with sucking money out of music,” he says.

Jeff is the un-music-industry guy of the Vibe Room crew, but he’s been involved with music all his life. He takes pride in being the “old man” of the group and says, “I remember when Depeche Mode was a one-hit wonder.”

Jeff’s done a little bit of everything and has lived a little bit of everywhere. He was born in Illinois, raised in Missouri, considers Dallas home, and now lives in Nashville. He’s been a sound guy for local bands and a part-time DJ—including at a strip club. He’s sold vacuum cleaners door to door. He’s created million-dollar home theaters and window-shattering car stereos. And he’s designed and built cell phone networks.

Mostly, he just enjoys finding the ultimate puzzle and solving it—like changing the way live-music experiences get booked. His personal motto is: “If at first you don’t succeed, change the rules.”

Todd Thomas

Chief Industry Officer (C.I.O)

Todd Thomas got involved with Vibe Room because “it’s the right thing,” he says. “It’s a movement.” He’s always had a passion for artists and for music and fans, and Vibe Room presents the opportunity for people to choose what they want to hear, where they want to hear it.

Todd was born and raised in Placerville, California. He graduated from California State University, Sacramento, earning a degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. He spent ten years as a booking agent and entertainment buyer for “That’s Entertainment International.”

Music is a love and passion for Todd, who now manages American Young and Jackson Michelson, both Curb Records artists. “To think that three minutes can change a life . . .” he says. “It’s the best form of medicine.” Todd listens to both local and widespread acts. “Music is that language that connects us all. I live by my soundtrack.”

When he’s not working, a good game is music to Todd’s ears. He loves the San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Sacramento Kings, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Todd’s motto is: “Love life, live music.”