Cheers to 5 Years: Meet The Rooftop Team
Up-and-comers. Cult favorites. Rock & pop’s biggest names. They’ve all graced The Rooftop and made it one of the most exciting live music venues in New York City. Since launching in 2018, The Rooftop at Pier 17’s Summer Concert Series has brought an eclectic mix of acts to the Seaport — a lineup that has included Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, Kesha, Ringo Starr, Machine Gun Kelly, Janelle Monáe, Kings of Leon, Amy Schumer, Trevor Noah, Diana Ross, deadmau5, and The Fugees. Now, as The Rooftop at Pier 17 gets to kick off another full-force season of shows, our teams are celebrating the venue’s fifth anniversary and recapping some of the favorite memories from a hundred-plus epic nights under the stars.
Here, Pier 17 team members who work on the Concert Series — in areas from box office, security and operations to marketing, partnerships and social media — share their favorite Rooftop memories and their insider pro tips for anyone attending a concert on The Rooftop this season.
The Howard Hughes Corporation Leadership
Andrew Schwartz, New York Region Co-President
Favorite Rooftop Memory
Ziggy Marley’s first performance here. I’m happy that he’s coming back for the third time at Pier 17.
Show You’re Most Looking Forward to in 2023
This may come as a surprise to my teammates, but I’m most looking forward to T-Pain.
Favorite Part of Working on the Rooftop Team
My favorite part is sharing the iconic moments and achievements together.
Pro Tip for Attending a Concert on The Rooftop
I have two pro tips. One is to come early and look south. Not a lot of people realize you can see the Statue of Liberty from the Rooftop. Two, stay late – come and enjoy one of our restaurants after the show and have a beer with us!
Box Office
Left to right: Andy Levine, Ticketing Director & Danny Laguer, Pier 17 Box Office Manager
Favorite Rooftop Memory
Andy: DEVO playing here last summer was the best show of the year — maybe the best show at this venue so far.
Show You’re Most Looking Forward to in 2023
Danny: I’m excited to see The Used & Pierce The Veil. They were supposed to be here last year, but unfortunately due to the nature of events they weren’t able to play. But they are back — not once but two times this year. Don’t miss them.
Favorite Part of Working on the Rooftop Team
Andy: The accomplishment of putting on a show together. It’s such a great feeling, at the end of the night, to go up, check out the end of the show, and see all the people enjoying themselves, knowing we’re a big part of that.
Pro Tip for Attending a Concert on The Rooftop
Danny & Andy: Download your ticket before you leave home. Make sure they’re on your phone, in your Apple Wallet or the Ticketmaster App. And for any other issues that occur with your tickets, you can always come see us at the Box Office right here.
Operations
Left to right: Tyler Jones, Vice President of Pier 17 Operations & Kristen McKenna, Event Operations Manager
Favorite Rooftop Memory
Tyler: The Fugees reunion. Epic. Historic. I’ll never forget it.
Show You’re Most Looking Forward to in 2023
Kristen: Young the Giant with Milky Chance.
Favorite Part of Working on the Rooftop Team
Tyler: Teamwork makes the dream work.
Pro Tip for Attending a Concert on The Rooftop
Kristen & Tyler: Don’t forget your ticket.
Live Nation
Michael Strode, Director of Production
Favorite Rooftop Memory
Dr. Dog in 2021. It was my first show back in New York and I was happy to be home.
Show You’re Most Looking Forward to in 2023
The two shows I’m looking forward to this season are Jenny Lewis, and the Pixies & Modest Mouse.
Favorite Part of Working on the Rooftop Team
The family environment that we have. It’s like a little summer camp here in Lower Manhattan.
Pro Tip for Attending a Concert on the Rooftop
It gets a little hot and sunny out here, so don’t forget to hydrate ahead of time.
Marketing
Left to right: Lindita Rugova, Marketing Manager & Craig Manfra, Senior Marketing Director
Favorite Rooftop Memory
Lindita: My favorite was Billie Eilish in 2019. We had her when she was on the cusp of becoming the massive artist that she is now, so it was really cool to see her in such a small setting.
Show You’re Most Looking Forward to in 2023
Lindita: I’m going pop punk — All Time Low is coming back again. Gym Class Heroes is opening up for them. It takes me back down memory lane and I’m super excited for it.
Favorite Part of Working on the Rooftop Team
Craig: For me, it is about bringing these memories and experiences to the fans. We get to host it, and make it perfect. I love that this team is committed to making it the best night it can possibly be for all the fans who come here for a show.
Pro Tip for Attending a Concert on The Rooftop
Craig: For me, the best-kept secret is the East River side. Everyone piles up on the West side—the Manhattan skyline side — but on the East River and Brooklyn side, there are always these pockets of space that allow you to get closer to the stage.
Left to right: Nellya Schumpert, Senior Content Manager & Christie Freer, Social Media Manager
Favorite Rooftop Memory
Christie: Seeing Avril Lavigne, screaming all the words to “Sk8er Boi” at the top of my lungs.
Show You’re Most Looking Forward to in 2023
Nellya: Tove Lo.
Favorite Part of Working on the Rooftop Team
Christie: The people, and the amazing venue, where we get to be outside every day and listen to lots of music.
Pro Tip for Attending a Concert on The Rooftop
Christie: Check the weather. It’s an outdoor venue, so you want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately.
Strategic Partnerships
Left to right:
Hannah Robins, Strategic Partnerships Manager
Jennifer Abt, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Candace Klesh, Strategic Partnerships Director
Sam Gips, Strategic Partnerships Director
Favorite Rooftop Memory
Hannah: Yacht Rock Revue, which was the first show I worked on.
Show You’re Most Looking Forward to in 2023
Sam: The Barenaked Ladies. They always bring a great vibe.
Favorite Part of Working on the Rooftop Team
Jennifer: Laughing with my co-workers every single day.
Pro Tip for Attending a Concert on The Rooftop
Candace: Wear comfy shoes, because you’re going to be standing for a while.
Hospitality
Left to right: Nikole Rupple (General Manager) & Oliver Holt (Beverage Manager)
Favorite Rooftop Memory
Nikole: Screaming/singing to Dashboard Confessional in 2022. It transported me back to my bedroom when I was 15.
Show You’re Most Looking Forward to in 2023
Oliver: Pink Martini.
Favorite Part of Working on the Rooftop Team
Oliver & Nikole: Without a question, our staff. They’re amazing.
Pro Tip for Attending a Concert on The Rooftop
Oliver: Load up at the concession stands during the first act so you can get the best spot for the main act.
Security
Joseph Bangino, Vice President of Security & Operations
Favorite Rooftop Memory
The Stars and Strings concert. Being with the Fire Department during 9/11, it meant a lot to me and is something I will never forget.
Show You’re Most Looking Forward to in 2023
SiriusXM Presents Yacht Rock Revue – Reverse Sunset. They do a great job every year.
Favorite Part of Working on the Team
The camaraderie. We pull off amazing events every year. Without the camaraderie we have together, it would be impossible.
Pro Tip for Attending a Concert on The Rooftop
Get here early and take pictures on the Riverdeck. Unbelievable views—best in the world.
This year’s Summer Concert Series kicks off May 3, 2023, with rock band Coheed and Cambria, and continues with more than 60 shows slated from May through October, 2023. See the latest lineup at RooftopAtPier17.com.