If you’ve spent time in San Jose’s creative community, you’ve probably heard the name Dan Vado. He’s the force behind SLG Publishing and the founder of the beloved Art Boutiki Music Hall — a venue that’s been home to jazz nights, indie shows, comics, art, and community for more than a decade.

With Art Boutiki closing at the end of this year, Dan joined me for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the importance of creating spaces where artists and audiences can truly connect.

We talked about: 🎶 The evolution of San Jose’s indie music scene 📚 Comics, publishing, and why “graphic novel” is just another way of saying “comic book” 🛠️ Reinventing yourself in times of change 💡 Why joy, creativity, and community matter more than ever

Dan has spent his life bui ...