Today we’d like to introduce you to Saul Parada.
Hi Saul, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in 2007 when I moved from Brookings, Oregon, to Raleigh, North Carolina. I made the leap with a few college teachers who were starting a personal training program. I was certified as a personal trainer at just 22 and worked at several gyms in the Triangle, including 24 hour fitness and Golds Gym. However, I eventually found myself drawn to the nightlife and transitioned into bartending.
In 2017, I took on a management role at Watts & Ward, a prohibition-style bar that sparked my passion for music and community. Having played trumpet for ten years and studied music in college, I was inspired to integrate my love for jazz and R&B into the bar’s atmosphere. Over seven years, we produced award-winning craft cocktails and hosted cabaret and comedy shows, creating a vibrant city vibe in Raleigh.
After my rewarding experience at Watts & Ward, I decided to pursue my passion more directly by starting my own music promotion business, Saul Good Management. I began booking wedding bands and DJ’s and expanded to include EDM, jazz, funk, and hip-hop events. For the past 2 years, I have been organizing weekly live music: Wednesdays at Vidrio (6-9pm), Thursdays at Raleigh Times (7-10pm), Fridays at Birdie’s (5-8pm), Saturdays at Birdie’s (11:30-3pm with a DJ), Sundays at Watts & Ward (6-9pm). For four years, I’ve also had the pleasure of booking live music for First Fridays at Raleigh Times (7-11pm)
My business has flourished, and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with various local restaurants and bars, helping to enrich the Triangle’s cultural scene. I’m excited about some upcoming shows in Durham featuring major artists as well.
Raleigh has become my home over the past 18 years. I don’t have family here, but the community has embraced me, and I strive to give back by making Raleigh a cooler place through music and events.
In April 2021, I decided to pursue sobriety, which has been transformative. I was honored to be nominated and voted onto the Substance Use Advisory Board for Wake County a year and a half ago. In this two-year term, I’ve been able to engage with various organizations addressing substance use, addiction, and homelessness. As a 39-year-old male, it has been a blessing to contribute and learn more about the community from this perspective.
Music has always been my therapy, and I see it as a powerful tool to uplift those facing challenges. My personal experiences and my business naturally blend, allowing me to push the music scene in a positive direction and support others during their hard times.
Life is about setting clear expectations and fostering healthy relationships—lessons I’ve learned through my journey. I’m dedicated to creating a positive impact in Raleigh and helping others connect through the transformative power of music.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building Saul Good Management has come with its share of challenges. One of the biggest obstacles has been understanding the local landscape—getting to know who’s in charge, the politics involved, and the unique dynamics of the Raleigh community. It’s crucial to be aware of people’s past traumas and experiences, which can influence their business practices and community interactions.
Having the pleasure of working with various major owners in town has been invaluable. I’ve learned that understanding the “temperature” of Raleigh is essential, especially for those of us who have relocated from larger cities like Los Angeles, Austin, and New York. My experiences in these vibrant environments have provided me with a different perspective on cultural dynamics.
Raleigh has its charm, maintaining a clean and organized atmosphere, but it also has a strong sense of community that resists being pushed into changes that don’t align with local values. Building relationships with both the bands and business owners in the city has been instrumental in navigating this landscape. I’ve also developed connections with artists from cities like Atlanta and Washington, D.C., who inspire me and provide support.
During the pandemic, I witnessed firsthand how much people missed live music and entertainment. This experience reinforced the importance of creating welcoming spaces for all ages and backgrounds, where everyone can connect through the universal language of music. It reminded me that music is not just a form of entertainment; it’s therapy that bridges divides.
Despite the challenges, I’ve learned that consistency is key. You must have a genuine passion for this business, and the only way it doesn’t work is if you give up. The surrounding areas around Raleigh—like Clayton, Cary, Morrisville, and Chapel Hill—are developing their own vibrant ecosystems of entertainment, and I’m excited to be part of this collective effort to push live music forward across the Triangle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner of Saul Good Management, a music promotion business based in Raleigh, North Carolina. My journey into this field began with a background in personal training and bartending, which ultimately led me to discover my passion for live music and community engagement. I specialize in booking live music events, including weddings, bands, DJs, and a variety of genres such as EDM, jazz, funk, and hip-hop.
What sets me apart is my commitment to creating inclusive environments where everyone can enjoy themselves, regardless of their background. I believe that color and appearance shouldn’t define how we connect with one another. My goal is for people to listen with their ears and immerse themselves in the music, allowing them to let their hair down and escape the challenges of everyday life.
I’m particularly proud of the relationships I’ve built with local venues and artists, as well as my ability to create welcoming spaces for all ages and backgrounds. I’ve watched the entertainment scene grow in the surrounding areas of the Triangle, such as Clayton, Cary, and Chapel Hill, and I’m excited to contribute to this vibrant culture.
In addition to Saul Good Management, I am also the co-founder and owner of “We The Roses” , a music festival dedicated to connecting artists directly with the audience for uplifting, healing, and empowering experiences. Our mission is to foster genuine connections through music and create a space where positivity and community thrive. Isaiah Vaughn, my business partner for “We The Roses”, and I are passionate about using this platform to uplift both artists and audiences alike, emphasizing the therapeutic and unifying power of music.
Beyond event promotion, I serve as a talent buyer, with a keen ear for discovering and nurturing artists who can truly engage and connect with their audience. I’ve spent years listening to sounds, pitches, and stage presence, and I understand that in today’s world, people don’t just pay for musicians — they pay for entertainment. My focus is on coaching and guiding artists to become more than just talented vocally or musically. I help them develop their ability to engage with the crowd, embody the role of an entertainer, and elevate their presence to reach larger audiences.
I am selective in the artists I work with, always looking for growth and improvement. As my therapist once told me, “You don’t work harder than your client,” and I believe that principle applies here too — my job is to support and guide artists to achieve their goals, but the effort and growth have to come from within.
Additionally, I am involved with the Substance Use Advisory Board for Wake County, reflecting my dedication to giving back to the community. My overarching goal is to provide music entertainment that allows people to forget their problems and experience a sense of freedom and joy — creating an alternative reality where everyone can truly enjoy themselves.
Music is my passion, and I believe it has the power to heal, connect, and inspire. Whether through live events, festivals, or artist development, I am committed to pushing live music forward and helping others experience its transformative potential.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Over my 18 years in the Triangle, I’ve focused on building genuine relationships within the community. As I shifted my focus more toward music and entertainment, I found that these connections allowed for more intentional conversations about my goals and aspirations.
One key piece of advice is to take the time to plant seeds and nurture those relationships. It’s important to be patient; growth takes time. Through my journey, especially during my sobriety, I’ve learned that meaningful connections require effort and consistency.
I’ve reached out to others in the community for support, and in return, I’ve received encouragement and guidance that has been invaluable. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or insights from those with more experience. Many people are willing to share their knowledge, and it can lead to powerful mentorship opportunities.
Networking is about creating a supportive ecosystem, and by genuinely engaging with others, you can build a strong foundation that will help you flourish. Remember that every relationship you cultivate has the potential to blossom into something beautiful, both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saulgoodmgmt?igsh=eXdnODQxd3RtdzF3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559897229957
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeTheRoses
- Other: https://linktr.ee/sgmanagement?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b9457159-b68e-4a26-8a95-a98c0ee87f36
