David Swift

David Swift, vice president and general manager of House of Blues Concerts for San Diego, just signed a new multi-year contract to stay in San Diego and oversee his local staff of 12, despite their press release in December stating that the company may be up for sale. House of Blues Concerts owns the Coors Amphitheatre and books SDSU's Open Air Theatre and Cox Arena. Also, two months ago, House of Blues talent buyer Candace Mandracia turned down an offer from Viejas Entertainment and remains with House of Blues.

Jack Gannon, PR director for House of Blues, said the chain of nightclubs has retained a financial management company called UBS to oversee the possible sale of House of Blues Concerts. He said there is "no correlation" between Swift's new contract and the potential sale of the company.

Meanwhile, Swift said 2005 looks like a much better year for concerts "at Coors Amphitheatre and our other facilities."

Last year the Coors box office moved 173,000 tickets compared to 224,000 in 2003.

"We already have three shows booked before May: Mötley Crüe March 22, Rod Stewart April 1, and Gloria Trevi April 24. Usually our outdoor concert season at Coors doesn't begin until mid-May."

The local staff of HoB Concerts is based in Chula Vista at the Coors Amphitheatre.