By Christine Oh 09/21/25 11:15pm
J. Sean Diaz, 1990 College graduate, has been appointed president and CEO of World Cafe Live after a summer of internal turmoil, worker strikes, and a series of employee terminations under previous management.
In an interview with The Daily Pennsylvanian, Diaz — a long-time DJ, music producer, and entertainment lawyer — discussed his plans for the future of the University City music venue. Diaz acknowledged the upheaval that preceded his appointment but expressed optimism about the venue’s expansion and restructuring.
“[We] gotta make this place seem welcoming and warm and open,” Diaz said. “Anyone who wants to do an event here, anyone who wants to get on that stage, there is a path to get there. There’s a path to rent this space, to partner with us, [and] to do events.”
Diaz emphasized his intention to maintain WCL’s non-profit status while broadening its reach through local community partnerships including Penn, Drexel University, and Philadelphia public schools.
“Being able to really tap into partnerships and resources that make an impact in the Philadelphia school system is just as important as it is to connect with Penn or Drexel,” Diaz said. “I would argue even more important, because as a Penn student, you have access to the best of everything. … Most people in Philadelphia don’t have that opportunity.”
He also outlined plans to open a “daytime cafe” to take full advantage of the space and incorporate virtual reality technology into live performances.
“Music business and performance business are evolving, and technology is intertwined more than ever,” he added. “Part of our model here is to give people, not just this stage, exposure on a world level — through live streaming every show, and through appealing to … people who are in the metaverse.”
“We want [performers] to come back, no matter how big [they] get,” he said. “You can never forget the people who support you on the way up, and I think that type of narrative and culture is what we’re fostering here.”
Diaz stepped into the position amid internal controversy at WCL. In June, a dozen employees walked out and were later terminated after protesting what they called an “unacceptable level of hostility and mismanagement” under then-CEO Joseph Callahan.
Callahan, who was brought in to stabilize WCL’s finances and integrate new performance technology, joined the venue as it was facing monthly losses of up to $70,000. Despite the losses and WCL’s nearly $6 million in existing debt, Callahan maintained that the venue would remain open.
Diaz similarly expressed hope for WCL’s recovery and growth, citing the importance of community support to ensure the venue’s long-term stability. “Whatever financial concerns that this place has had, I’m very positive that we are going to connect with all of the resources, all of the partnerships, all of the organizations that we need to be successful,” Diaz said. “I’m here to be that agent of change.”
“I understood what I walked into,” he added. Diaz further highlighted the venue’s “integrity, respect, [and] innovation” despite previous controversies, adding that while he “can’t change how we got here,” he “can change what happens going forward.”
Beyond music, Diaz described his hope to bring theater productions, dance companies, and comedian to WCL. He also noted his plan to expand educational programs, including partnerships with Drexel for their co-op program and paid internships for Penn students.
Reflecting on his appointment, Diaz explained the new role as the culmination of his interests and an opportunity to give back to the Philadelphia community.
“I’m going to be here as long as God will have me here,” Diaz said. “I feel blessed to even be in this position, and I’m just looking forward to the ride because this is what I’m passionate about.”
