Employee Spotlight: Paul Smaxwill

We often talk about the magic that happens on stage. But long before the first chord is struck, a symphony of behind-the-scenes logistics takes place to ensure that every guest, every artist and every detail is taken care of. 

To kick off our new monthly Employee Spotlight series, we’re starting at the heart of our operations with a man who has quite literally seen it all: our General Manager, Paul Smaxwill, the steady hand guiding the daily life at our venues. 

What is the best show you’ve ever seen at our venues?

Top 6 (in order of date):

• October 11, 2009: Bon Iver at the Riverside Theater

• April 2, 2010: Joanna Newsom at the Pabst Theater

• May 7, 2010: Norm Macdonald at the Pabst Theater

• September 27, 2016: Bill Callahan at The Back Room

• May 15, 2018: David Byrne at the Riverside Theater

• September 4, 2024: Geese + King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard at the Miller High Life Theatre

If you could bring any artist here (living or dead), who would it be?

Eddie Murphy doing stand-up as the opening act for Prince.

What’s one thing about your job that people would be surprised to learn?

That concert promotion, production and operation involve much more than just having fun, hanging out with artists and taking in the shows. Often, the most popular, most hyped shows by the most noteworthy artists play to adoring crowds and I'm unable to catch even a moment of the show.

The trade off is a sense of pride and an undefinable energy provided by knowing that my colleagues and I may have played a small role in bringing someone’s favorite artist to a stage here.

If a tour asked for one "must-see" spot in Milwaukee, where are you sending them?

Three Brothers if they are eating. If just for a stroll or to take in some views and enjoy the city, Three Bridges Park is an underrated gem with community gardens and easy accessibility to Brewers baseball via beautiful walking paths.

What is the most “only in this job” moment you’ve had—the kind of thing that could only happen at 2 AM in a historic theater?

It was during dinner, not late night, but I was once consoled backstage by Ringo Starr in 2015 after the shocking end to an exciting college football game didn’t go in my favorite team’s favor.

Unsurprisingly, he helped me maintain a peaceful way and remain calm as I explained how all Michigan’s punter had to do was not fumble the snap and the game would have been over….

Do you have a favorite spot at the venues or a “secret” about one of the buildings that most people don't know?

It’s no secret that the Riverside Theater’s rooftop has excellent downtown views and has been the location of several very robust, vibrant afterparties over the decades, but my absolute favorite spot to sit for a show is at the front of the mezzanine level at the Pabst.

Everyone should get to see/hear their favorite artist perform from this spot once in their lives. Can’t be beat.

While audiences remember the lights, the music and the encore, it’s people like Paul who help make those moments possible night after night. We’re excited to continue this Employee Spotlight series and share more stories from the team behind-the-scenes!