Booking shakeup in the Fens: Dan Millen named new talent buyer of Church

A few months after leaving Cambridge's Middle East, longtime Boston booking agent DAN MILLEN has been named the new talent buyer of CHURCH. Millen will begin his tenure next Friday, June 22, taking over for current booker Nick Blakey. (Disclaimer: Blakey is an occasional contributor to the Phoenix music section.)

Since parting ways with the Middle East in February, Millen had been focusing on his independent Rock On Concerts booking agency, which also hosts several Boston Harbor cruises over the summer. Among the "concert cruises" coming up are Spiritual Rez (June 16), the Van Burens (June 23) and Dear Leader (July 13). Rock On also has upcoming shows booked at the Middle East, Lucky Dog Music Hall in Worcester, and Church (including Grey Valley Ghosts record release party July 20 and Yellow Dubmarine Reggae Beatles tribute on July 25).

All upcoming shows previously booked by Blakey will be honored by the Kilmarnock Street restaurant/venue, which is located a few blocks from Fenway Park and has a 225-person capacity.

"Nick did a great job, he will be a tough act to follow, but I'm looking forward to producing some really fun shows and great parties!" wrote Millen in an email today to the Phoenix. He did not specify what genres the club will nowfocus on, or what general direction he will take the booking. In an email spent out to other booking agents and band managers earlier this week, Millen said he was open to anything except "heavy security type shows."

This weekend's slate of live music at Church features Rustic Overtones, the Wandas, and Grand Street Orchestra tonight; Billy Michalski and others tomorrow; and Grace Weber, Nick Hakim, and Richard Saunders on Sunday. There is also a "Saints & Sinners" brunch featuring the Steve Branson Band tomorrow from 11am to 3pm.