Ding Dong Lounge announces new management team
(L-R) Lauren Kate Borhani - Marketing Manager, Mat Jorgenson - Owner, Bahador Borhani - Entertainment Manager
Aotearoa’s premier rock bar, Ding Dong Lounge, is marking a new era with the announcement of two new additions to its management team. Bahador Borhani joins as Entertainment Manager, alongside his wife Lauren Kate Borhani in the newly-created role of Marketing Manager.
Mat Jorgenson, Ding Dong Lounge Owner, wishes to recognise the achievements and support of outgoing Entertainment Manager Andrew Treeby, who has stepped aside from the role after more than 10 years at the helm. “Andrew was an integral member of the team, and left huge shoes to fill,” he reflects. “His efforts saw the opening and consistent development of our live music venue Dead Witch, along with multiple other ventures to bring live rock music back to the city center. He will remain a part-owner, and we thank him for his support as we move into the bar’s next decade.”
“Lauren and Beej are a natural fit for Ding,” he continues. “They understand the place better than most, which is super important given we operate somewhat differently to other bars and venues. They are young enough to see how times are changing, and are in fact part of that change! They both have a unique set of skills tailor-made for their roles, and there is the other small matter of them both being good buggers!”
Bahador and Lauren Borhani met at Ding Dong Lounge eight years ago, and are about to celebrate their fifth year of marriage. They have been staples in the bar’s DJ and live band roster, and look forward to supporting their friend Mat in the next era of his business.
Having shared the stage with multiple rock legends such as Slash, ZZ Top, Def Leppard, Alice Cooper, Escape The Fate, Pendulum, Limp Bizkit with his two previous bands Shotgun Alley and Written by Wolves, Bahador Borhani is no stranger to the local rock scene.
“I’ve been fortunate to have been involved with Ding Dong Lounge from its inception, providing the team with insights of what the rock scene wants and needs. For the bar to have celebrated its 10th Birthday this year is no mean feat, especially with financial pressures over the past few years,” shares Bahador. “Alongside my wife, I want to keep the rock scene alive, celebrate heavy music, and combine my art direction skills with knowledge of the landscape to help Ding Dong Lounge be the very best it can be.”
Joining her husband on the senior leadership team is Lauren Kate Borhani, in the newly created Marketing Manager role. With a decade of experience across media and marketing, she is excited to marry her passion of music and media to keep Ding Dong Lounge alive for many more years to come.
“I’ve always had a curiosity and deep respect for New Zealand music, and I’m confident that the new era of the bar will foster a safe environment for young musicians to explore and to support the scene for years to come,” shares Lauren. “To keep the scene alive, you have to support it from the ground up with sincerity– and that’s what my husband and I want to do for Aotearoa’s home of rock. We’re so honored to work alongside Mat to keep the legend going.”