As a musician, promoter, and manager, Lee Frank has been successful in a variety of areas in the music business. Frank developed his passion for music, at an early age, studying drums and playing live in local rock bands in his hometown of Miami Beach, Florida. In school, he performed with The Miami Beach Rock Ensemble, and attended PAVAC, the performing arts high school. In 1992, he graduated from the prestigious University of Miami Jazz Program, studying with legendary instructors including Steve Rucker and Joe DiMaggio. After college, he switched instruments to piano, beginning a foray into Southern Funk and Rhythm and Blues, inspiring him to move to New Orleans in 1995.
During his time in the Crescent City, Frank performed and toured with local Funk bands including The Flavor Kings, Michael Ward, and Galactic; worked at independent record store, The Louisiana Music Factory; oversaw the marketing efforts for Basin Street Records; and he was ultimately hired as the Marketing Director for the historic music venue, Tipitina’s, in 1998.
Collaborating with talent buyer Adam Shipley, Frank helped to pioneer the club’s renaissance, developing cutting-edge promotion and eclectic programming. The team garnered much success increasing attendance, creating an award winning website, and developing a merchandising business that raised revenues dramatically. With an appreciation for the venue’s history, they organized legendary musical experiences with local favorites such as, The Neville Brothers, The Meters, Dr. John, and numerous national talent including Wilco, Taj Mahal, and Isaac Hayes. Frank and Shipley successfully promoted over a 1,000 live performances along with numerous concert series during The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Mardi Gras, Halloween, and New Years Eve through 2004.
During his tenure in show promotion, Frank became well versed in artist management partnering with veteran Chris Cuevas, who managed Charlie Hunter, Stanton Moore, and Patricia Barber. Frank and Cuevas began to co-manage songwriter, and funky piano wizard, Jon Cleary (Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal) in 2003. While still working full-time at Tipitina’s, Frank refined management skills in touring, finance, booking, and publishing.
After living in New Orleans for 10 years, Frank yearned to experience San Francisco, a city whose musical legacy and unique culture was an inspiration in his youth. Moving to San Francisco in 2005, Frank worked double duty at night, as house manager of the successful music venue, The Independent, and as artist manager during the day. While in the Bay Area, Frank established his own company, LF Artists Management, to focus on the development and artistic vision of Jon Cleary and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Through Frank’s efforts Jon Cleary has expanded touring throughout Australia, Europe, and Japan, signed a new publishing deal with North Star Media, and self-released Cleary’s first Live album on his own imprint with domestic and international distribution. During his management tenure of the historic jazz band, Preservation Hall, they received the coveted NEA Award, toured Asia, Australia, and Europe, increased tour revenue and merchandising, developed a new website, increased their fan base two-fold, signed their first publishing deal, and a digital distribution deal. Frank continues his artistic vision combining a long-range view into the future with innovative business development for his clients.
