Blast from the past: Jim Jablonski back as GM of HOB Chicago

2-Feb-09 – Jim Jablonski, the longest-serving general manager of House of Blues Chicago, has returned to Marina City. He took over in January for Michael Lucero, who is now managing The Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Jablonski was general manager of HOB Chicago from 1999 to 2006. He left to serve as Chief Operating Officer for HOB’s corporate headquarters in Los Angeles. He is still a Senior Vice President for the company.

According to Mary White, HOB Marketing Coordinator, Jablonski “realized he loved working in the field at a venue and he considers Chicago home, so when the opportunity presented itself, he moved back home to take the helm at the Chicago venue.”

Jablonski started his career in the hospitality and entertainment industry as a waiter in his hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Left) Jim Jablonski in 2004.

Jablonski was manager during a difficult time for HOB at Marina City. Between 1998 and 2000, complaints about noise and crowds escalated, eventually involving 42nd Ward Alderman Burton Natarus, who confronted an HOB executive at a City Council meeting.

HOB responded with beefed up security, parking changes to minimize noise, and earlier ending times for music acts. In July 2000, Jablonski told the Chicago Tribune, “I think we’re very conscious of managing our crowds. It’s just one of those things when you’re popular, you’re going to have crowds.”

HOB Entertainment, Inc., owned the hotel, parking garage, and retail space at Marina City until 2006, when it was sold to LaSalle Hotel Properties.