Tommy Bowes
Co-owner
Drummer for countless Washington area bands since 1980, Tommy played in the original Quarry House Rockabilly Saturday Night band Western Bop, participating in over 12 Buddy Holly tributes and teaming with Louie Newmeyer to keep the music coming when band leader-organizer J.P. McDermott relocated to the west coast in 2009. A founding member of the Rock-a-Sonics, Tommy and Mark Segraves joined together in 2018 to establish the nonprofit “After Dark Fund”, to support musicians who need financial assistance, such as help with medical bills or stolen equipment.
Sarah Bonner
Co-owner
Vintage harmony singer in the Crayfish Sisters trio, Sarah Bonner co-organized the revival of Washington’s famed Buddy Holly Winter Dance tribute, beginning in 2013, followed by sell-out tributes annually through the 60th anniversary of the fatal crash in 2018. A regular presence in live music events all over the DC area, Sarah has also co-organized Maryland’s Tribute to Women of Country since 2013.
Alan Kresse
Co-Owner
Alan Kresse is a freelance photographer, based in Gaithersburg, MD. He’s been a resident of the Washington, DC area for over 50 years growing up in Montgomery County. Alan took interest in photography in early childhood, later becoming yearbook photographer at the University of Maryland, and eventually starting his own freelance photography business, Alan Kresse Photography, in 1991. In addition to his business, Alan previously co-owned a hair salon with his wife, Connie, and managed a farmer’s market stand for local purveyor Chris’ Marketplace.
Alan has long supported the local music scene, photographing local and national bands at venues including the 930 Club, Villain and Saint, Strathmore, University of MD, and, of course, the former Hank Dietle’s. He’s honored and excited to bring the music back to the local community at Dietle’s.
Lisa White
Promotion and Talent Buyer
Lisa has nearly 30 years experience in the Washington, DC music community as a veteran talent buyer, event promoter, and management/operations consultant with several notable entertainment venues including 20 years at the 9:30 Club, as well as stints at U Street Music Hall, Pearl Street Warehouse and Gypsy Sally’s. While at the 9:30 Club Lisa also was part of the marketing, promotion and advertising teams, coordinated production and logistics for many multi-act events, and also booked and managed several smaller artist development rooms.
Tom Helf
Consigliere
Bethesda real estate attorney Tom Helf has been providing pro bono legal services to the new owners of Hank Dietle’s, from the formation of their new company, to the negotiation of the lease and other contracts. Tom is also the regular drummer for local Allman Brothers tribute act the Allman Others Band, as well as for long-time D.C.-area roots rockers Cravin’ Dogs, who were the last band to play at Hank Dietle’s before the February 2018 fire.
Gina Cocco
General Manager
Gina comes to us with over twelve years of restaurant/bar/music venue experience and over twenty years of marketing and graphics experience. She also owns and runs her own business, Snap2Promos. Gina is the bass player for 40 Dollar Fine and Danger Bird. She’s been a core member of the BandHouse Gigs production team for 15 years, and helps out behind the scenes for the After Dark Fund, managing the online merch store and designing posters for their live shows. She regularly participates in fundraising shows produced by AMFM (the Annapolis Musicians Fund for Musicians).
