Jodi Ecklund helped Chop Suey to make a graceful transition after last years ownership change.
Jodi Ecklund helped Chop Suey to make a graceful transition after last year's ownership change. Kelly O

On Friday, April 15, Chop Suey* talent buyer Jodi Ecklund announced her departure from Capitol Hill music venue. Former Rendezvous and Sunset/Tractor Tavern booker Nathan Chambers has replaced her.

On her Facebook page, Ecklund posted:

Today marks a end of an era, its officially my last day as the Talent Buyer at Chop Suey. I have decided to part ways with Chop Suey to continue to pursue my own creative endeavors and work on personal projects. I've seen a lot of changes and been extremely privileged to work with a staggering number of incredible artists, promoters and venues. The Seattle music community is my home and true love. I am so thankful to have been a part of the Chop Suey family for so long and wish them the best of luck. Thank you to all of you that have supported not only live music, but me as well.

Some of Ecklund's major curatorial accomplishments include the 'Mo-Wave festival, the popular, competitive band-tribute showdowns (the last being T.Rex vs. Thin Lizzy), the Hero Worship night (the next one is slated for the Cure's Robert Smith on April 21), the Dance Yourself Clean Saturday night weekly, GGNZLA Karaoke, and bringing in great local and national acts on a regular basis.

When asked to comment about what he has planned for Chop Suey, Chambers said to check back with him in a few months, as he still has much work to do in order to determine what changes, if any, he'll make.

In an email interview, Chop Suey co-owner Brianna Rettig noted that "Jodi was a force at Chop and we are so grateful to have had her here this last year. She brought us into the fold of Capitol Hill's incredible community and showed us the ropes. We are sad to see her go but excited for the future.

"We look forward to Nathan coming on board and bringing in some new energy," she continued. "He's grabbed onto the reins and is extremely dedicated to keeping our calendar fresh and diverse. Chop will always be a safe space and a place to call home for the local, the weird, and the queer. With everything growing and changing around us, we're so blessed to have a community who supports and appreciates local live music. Every time someone comes in an has a drink at happy hour, tries one of our tasty new Escondite menu items, or buys a ticket to a show, they are the ones who help preserve Chop and they are the ones who keep these doors open. Here's to many more years."

In other news, Ecklund has booked the Volunteer Park Pride Festival happening June 11, which will feature live performances by Hell's Belles, Selene Vigil et Amicis, Boyfriends, and Aeon Fux, plus craft and vintage clothing booths curated by Indian Summer's Adria Garcia.

*Disclosure: I do an occasional DJ night in Chop Suey's Den.