World Cafe Live, the iconic Philadelphia music venue, is proud to announce an exciting new chapter in its journey. Joseph Callahan has elected to step into the role of CEO and Chairman of World Cafe Live.

With Callahan now at the helm and supported by the Bean Foundation, the Callahan Family Foundation, and other organizations, World Cafe Live is set to embrace the next wave of innovation and experimentation through global musical connectivity. His leadership will introduce cutting-edge technology and expand the venue’s reach to a worldwide audience, introducing people to even more live events.

“I am honored to take on this role and build upon the incredible foundation that World Cafe Live has established,” said Callahan. “Our goal is to create a space where artists can thrive, audiences can connect in new ways, and music can transcend physical boundaries. By embracing new technologies and expanding access, we ensure that World Cafe Live remains a beacon for live music performances across the world.”

Callahan, a Philadelphia native, brings decades of experience as a technology entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and visionary in digital transformation. His work in spatial computing, artificial intelligence, and immersive experiences has redefined industries, and now, he aims to bring that expertise to the world of live music. Under his leadership, World Cafe Live will integrate advanced content streaming, immersive mixed reality experiences, and smart contract operational efficiencies to redefine the concert experience. 

Gar Giles, a visionary leader and seasoned executive, serving as Vice President of Global Expansion for Ciright Inc. With a successful track record of driving international growth, he has made remarkable contributions to the company’s expansion strategy. Gar’s journey is characterized by a commitment to innovation, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Gar embarked on his educational journey at the prestigious University of Virginia, where he graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and African Studies. Fueled by a passion for law and business, he pursued further studies at the University of Michigan, earning a Juris Doctor in 1994. With a strong foundation in law and business, Gar cultivated a dynamic career, honing his skills and expertise across various industries. However, it was his tenure at Ciright that truly showcased his exceptional abilities.

As the Vice President of Global Expansion, Gar played a pivotal role in the company’s international expansion and success. His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in establishing a thriving office in India, which currently boasts a workforce of 70 dedicated employees. Under his guidance, the India office has become a hub of innovation and collaboration, contributing significantly to the company’s global success.

One of Gar’s most remarkable achievements was bringing to market and productizing Ciright’s cutting-edge technology products. His visionary approach and ability to identify emerging trends led to the development and launch of game-changing technology solutions that have set new industry standards. These innovative products have not only propelled Ciright to the forefront of the industry but have also transformed the way businesses operate in the digital age.

Gar is not just a business leader but a visionary who believes in fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, diversity and teamwork. He continues to inspire and lead Ciright into new frontiers hence, BRKFEST the new venture that will revolutionize the live entertainment sector and empower artists and underrepresented individuals globally.

Outside of the boardroom, Gar is an avid supporter of education and philanthropy, actively participating in initiatives that aim to make a positive impact on society.

Chef Rob’s road to professional kitchens was driven by an entrepreneurial spirit when a unique opportunity presented itself to operate his own restaurant. After selling his first establishment, he decided to return to the basics and climb the ranks in established kitchens. Absorbing every ounce of knowledge around him, he accepted a position at World Cafe Live’s former location in his hometown of Wilmington, DE and spent years covering all aspects of the business from large scale a la carte service to formal catered dinners to specialty pairing menus. Now as the Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, Rob is responsible for the dining experience of over 100,000 guests a year, overseeing service in two spaces daily and over 200 catered events annually while playing an integral role in the next stages of the organization’s development. Rob is also a LEADERSHIP Philadelphia Fellow.

Jessica Pasquariello is an experienced fundraising professional with a lifelong passion for music, theatre, and dance. Jessica is thrilled to join the World Cafe Live team as the Director of Development. Jessica began her professional career at Philadelphia Theatre Company with a marketing internship in 2008. Jessica joined the front-of-house team working during performances while studying Entertainment and Arts Management and Business Administration at Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree, she continually rose through the ranks eventually running the Development program at the theatre company in 2017. Throughout 12 successful years of fundraising events and campaigns, she was a vital part of the team that led the company through a leadership transition, financial turnaround, and the pandemic. Jessica has volunteered with the Riverdale Land Conservatory, to preserve history in her hometown. She lives in South Philly with her husband Chris.

Helen has been a talent buyer in the Philadelphia region for over 10 years, previously working for City Winery and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Before she came to Philly, she was a talent buyer at SteelStacks/Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA where she booked somewhere in the ballpark of 500+ artists per year. She got her start in Bethlehem booking jazz bands on weekends at the Bookstore Speakeasy. If she’s not at a show – or booking a show – she’s hanging out with her dog, Dexter.