Music is the family business for Northeastern University student Elliot Grainge—his dad is Universal Music Group Chairman & CEO Lucian Grainge—so it makes sense that he would be launching his own company, Take Boston, to spice up the Boston nightlife scene. I asked him about his company’s first event and what’s next on the social calendar.
Your very first event was a fundraiser for victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. Was that concert in the works before the tragedy occurred? If so, did you consider cancelling?
We had been in talks with the band and its manager a couple of months before the event. It was always our goal to launch our company, Take Boston, with the Timeflies after-party. We weren’t 100 percent sure the party was going to happen until the last minute, and we were closely monitoring the situation with the band’s manager. After the tragic events during the marathon, the whole team didn’t feel right profiting on the night. As a result of us not cancelling, we decided to give all of the proceeds to The One Fund Boston. We raised more than $18,000 at the show at the House of Blues and the after-party at The Lansdowne Pub.
I understand that the Boston Greek community was involved in promoting the event. What’s your connection to that scene, and what else are fraternities and sororities doing to get involved post-marathon?
My business partner, Boston University student Robbie Earl, is a member of Zeta Beta Tau—a Jewish fraternity on campus. Fraternities and sororities have always been a great way to spread the word about events and gain support for philanthropy. The Greek community is responsible for raising thousands of dollars every year for various charities. My partner and I continue to push support for The One Fund and other post-marathon charities through the college Greek community.
What’s next for Take Boston? Any big events in the works for summer?
Take Boston was created to provide Boston with a new type of nightlife experience. We’re looking to shake up the scene and bring some fresh events to everyone who enjoys Boston nightlife. We’re currently in the process of planning several spectacular summer events, as well as working with some of the popular venues to help us bring more excitement to the city. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for event updates.
I’ve heard your father, Lucian Grainge, is in the music industry. So I have to ask: Did you have a big star play your bar mitzvah?
Take That played at my bar mitzvah! They were No. 1 in the UK at the time. The party was great fun and gave me a real taste of how to create an exciting party.
