SARAH’S SMILE: Sarah Zawalski has booked over 4,000 events in her career. (Courtesy 313 Presents)
One industry veteran succeeds another in Detroit
Sarah Zawalski has been promoted to senior vice president of booking and industry relations at 313 Presents, succeeding fellow booking veteran Dana Warg, who will continue with the company in a more strategic role.
In a new release, Zawalski, whose ascension from senior director of booking was planned, thanked Warg, her mentor, “who has helped guide me to this point.” She also thanked 313 Presents President Howard Handler for the vote of confidence in elevating her.
Warg is a respected venues industry veteran whose multi-decade resume includes stints at Clear Channel, Midwest Entertainment Group, Target Center, Olympia Entertainment and the Nederlander Organization. He will now focus on “larger-scale projects and new initiatives,” according to the announcement.
Billing itself as “Detroit’s premier live entertainment company,” 313 Presents — a joint venture between Ilitch Sports and Entertainment and Pistons Sports and Entertainment — does indeed hold a commanding position in the Detroit area, promoting and producing marquee events at six venues: Little Caesars Arena, the Fox Theatre, Comerica Park, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre.
Zawalski has been in the venues business for more than 25 years.
Handler said in the announcement that Zawalski, who has been in the venues business for more than 25 years, was selected after a national search.
“Sarah lives and breathes our culture,” he stated. “She’s a no-nonsense problem solver, talented dealmaker and drives the business with a growth mindset. I’m excited to watch Sarah soar.”
Warg called it a privilege to have watched Zawalski’s career arc.
“She works tirelessly with promoters, agents and artists to build trusting relationships and to put the very best content on our stages.” He said. “I am thrilled to see her take this well-deserved next step.”
Zawalski began her career with Olympia Entertainment, in roles that included private event sales, arena production and, eventually, director of booking. She actively participated in the planning and development of Little Caesars Arena, home of the NBA Detroit Pistons and NHL Detroit Red Wings.
She’s credited with offering key input into the building’s artist compound, seating configuration and concert sightlines and was instrumental in the creation of 313 Presents.
Over the years, Zawalski, a 2024 VenuesNow/Pollstar Women of Live honoree, secured more than 4,000 events, including 50 stadium shows at Comerica Park, home of the MLB Detroit Tigers.
