DMNW Spotlight: Mahalo Promotions coming back strong after the return of live music

Based out of Spokane Washington, Mahalo Promotions has been putting on dance music concerts since 2017 and has become a major influence on EDM in Easter Washington. They have hosted countless heavy bass and dubstep artists over the years, entertaining thousands of people across the region. Some of their most recent acts have included Virtual Riot, Wooli, Subdocta, and Marauda.

Photo Credit: Colee Photography

We got a chance to speak with Mahalo Promotions President Andrew Allard and ask him about the past, present, and future of the company.

DMNW: What motivated you to start Mahalo Promotions?

Andrew Allard: It just started with a group of friends wanting to bring artists to Spokane with no idea what we were doing at the time. So we decided to throw local events till we had enough contacts for bigger artists and more resources for production.

DMNW: Is there any significance behind the name “Mahalo”?

Andrew: Not really, we would watch rocket power on Nickelodeon a lot.

DMNW: Coming up on 5 years since its creation, what can you say about the overall goal of Mahalo promotions?

Andrew: To bring the best and safest events to Spokane/PNW and to help introduce more people to EDM

DMNW: Have you made any moves to expand since the return of live music?

Andrew: Coming out of the pandemic and “The Pin” closing we were forced to find new venues that would work with us. We found Riverside Place first which has a massive ballroom with an old masonic temple vibe to it. Going to a bigger cap was going to be difficult but we wanted the challenge! We also found Players and Spectators in the Spokane Valley that has a bowling/event center to it and have had a few events there as well. While adding more promoters to the team we started the Mahalo Vibe Tribe (health and safety) at events. Vibe Tribe is crushing it right now and members have gotten all their all certifications done including CPR, first aid, Narcan training and so much more! Couldn’t ask for a better team!

Photo Credit: In-Air Photography

DMNW: What were some of the struggles you faced coming back from Covid?

Andrew: New venues with a bigger capacity than all the ones we used before. Most shows have been a sell-out if not close to so far since coming back!

DMNW: What do you have planned for the future of Mahalo Promotions?

Andrew: Bigger events using the arena here or even The Knitting Factory! Getting Mahalo Vibe Tribe into more events where we can help the community more and make sure everyone is safe at any event.

DMNW: What would you say about your company’s role in the dance music community in Eastern Washington?

Andrew: Besides the Knitting Factory, we supply most of the EDM shows around here and we just keep getting bigger and bigger tours! Spokane is blowing up and we are here to keep supplying the best and safest events possible!

All in all, it seems that Mahalo Promotions has been a driving force in the Eastern Washington dance music scene. Even through the difficulties of growing a promotional company and the devastating effects of the last few years, they have come back with big plans and even bigger shows. Follow Mahalo Promotions on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on all their upcoming shows!