Meet Gracielia Catalan | Founder and president of llevamedegira bookingagent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gracielia Catalan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gracielia, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
My thought process for starting llevamedegira, my own booking company, was realizing that I could help up and coming artist book shows in venues that were difficult to get in to, to perform.

I don’t currently work with a budget because much of my work is done by using the various avenues of communication; text, phone calls, emails, and using social media.

All risk is scary! But you have to take them to move forward. If ten people say no to me, I can’t give up because the next person might say yes.

These risks push me to work harder. From taking so many risks I’ve developed many international professional relationships and friendships.

In 2015 I started booking small shows, then last year in 2023 I decided to take a giant risk and created my own official
booking company, “llevamedegira booking”, and now I’m booking international shows and musical events. Then I took a bigger risk and now I’m booking my third music festival!

I was born and raised and continue to reside in Tucson, Arizona. Growing up listening to my brother’s rock music, my parents Spanish music, and my own musical tastes helped me appreciate the diversity of cultures that music influences. I remember growing up, my mom and her friends would pack up the kids in the station wagon to go to the local music events known as giras. They would call each other and say, lleva me de gira, that’s how I got the name. In honor of my mom.

The most important factors behind my success is perseverance, professionalism, staying humble, and being sympathetic and respectful to all artists and venues. Plus most importantly working at my own pace.

The value or principle that matters most to me is humility. Being a Latina I obviously face many challenges, not only as a female but also as a person of color. So not taking things personally helps from becoming overly emotional. Humility helps me maintain my professionalism and demeanor and that helps me focus on the issues or challenges that may be causing conflict or unhappiness.

Maintaining a work life balance can be challenging at times. This is not a standard 9-5 job because the artists and venues I work with are in various time zones, so work can interfere with my daily family routine. Sometimes I have to conduct business while making dinner, or shopping at Costco, or even having to wake up in the middle of the night to take a call. I can be found finalizing musical lineups while in the school parking g lot waiting for my grand children.

My end goal is to have llevamedegira booking be recognized internationally as a leader in helping unknown artist reach their dreams. I want to set an example to underrepresented people, whether they be women, young, persons of color, etc that they can achieve their dreams and goals. I also want to show that you can be successful while maintaining your dignity, integrity, and culture influences.

I was drawn down this artistic path because of my shared love of music with my youngest child who is currently pursuing their own musical career. I began supporting their dreams by booking their shows. I realized that there were many other young musicians that didn’t have the support we gave our child in her musical endeavors. So I decided to provide them that support, the music scene can be very toxic, and without guidance it can destroy a young person quickly.

I’m not an avid book reader but music is where I derive my passion and inspiration.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was drawn down this artistic path because of my shared love of music with my youngest child who is currently pursuing their own musical career. I began supporting their dreams by booking their shows. I realized that there were many other young musicians that didn’t have the support we gave our child in her musical endeavors. So I decided to provide them that support, the music scene can be very toxic, and without guidance it can destroy a young person quickly.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First we would definitely introduce them to my favorite restaurant, Mi Nidito Mexican restaurant. For casual drinks head over to Reilly Crafts Pizza & Drink annd enjoy live music at Thunder Canyon Brewery. Local areas of interest would be spending a day at the Sonoran Desert Museum or taking a day trip to Sonoita, Az and enjoy their local wineries and breweries. Catching an athletic event at The University of Arizona. My favorite activity would be sitting in our patio and enjoying our beautiful Tucson sunset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
@thecooptucson desert venue Est 2017

Instagram: @llevamedegira